Cordero Represents FMC at International Shipping Forum

Washington, September 29, 2016—Officials from a variety of the world’s leading shipping nations attending the Consultative Shipping Group (CSG) meeting in Washington this week were updated yesterday morning on key business and operational matters under the jurisdiction of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) by Chairman Mario Cordero.

Cordero briefed the assembled group about the latest developments related to the Hanjin Shipping bankruptcy case, including the most recent rulings by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Additionally, Cordero reviewed how the Federal Maritime Commission is using its authority to improve port productivity, and the Commission’s perspective on the restructing of the various ocean carrier alliances.

“Shipping, certainly as the Federal Maritime Commission engages it, is a fundamentally international enterprise and I welcome any opportunity to meet with representatives from other key maritime nations to exchange information,” noted Cordero. “The Consultative Shipping Group meeting provides a platform to learn what issues are a priority to the nations that are our trading partners and providers of the ocean transportation services the shipping public relies upon. Equally, the CSG allows U.S. Government agencies involved in maritime to convey to key audiences their respective positions on issues from competition to safety and productivity to security.”

Other U.S. Government agencies presenting to, or attending, the Consultative Shipping Group meeting include: Maritime Administration; Customs & Border Protection; Department of State; Coast Guard; Environmental Protection Agency; and Department of Commerce.

The Consultative Shipping Group consists of relevant maritime authorities from 18 different nations and is currently chaired by Denmark. The United States is not a member of the CSG. Meetings between the Consultative Shipping Group and the U.S. Government agencies with jurisdiction over maritime and shipping matters take place approximately every two years. The Maritime Administration is the host of these meetings when they take place in the United States.