Public Forum – South Atlantic Ports

Public Forum on International Supply Chain Efficiency: Challenges Facing South Atlantic Ports

Federal Maritime Commissioner Michael A. Khouri will hold an informational Forum, “International Supply Chain Efficiency: Challenges Facing South Atlantic Ports” in Charleston, SC, at the Charleston Area Convention Center on October 30, 2014. The Forum’s goal is to facilitate discussion among port representatives, industry stakeholders and other interested parties concerning ways to address the challenges facing South Atlantic ports. Commissioner Khouri will report to the full Commission on issues raised in this forum.

When:
Thursday, October 30, 2014, 8:30am – 5:00 pm

Where:
Charleston Area Convention Center
5000 Coliseum Drive
North Charleston, SC 29418
Meeting Room 12-13

General Directions:
The Forum will be held at the Charleston Area Convention Center, located just 2 miles from the Charleston International Airport and easily accessible from all major Interstates/Highways.

South Atlantic Port Forum Agenda

Detailed Port Forum Agenda

Topics for Discussion:

Topics for discussion may include innovative ways to:

• Address port congestion
• Address infrastructure needs and challenges
• Increase chassis use and efficiency
• Promote global trade
• Increase international supply chain efficiency

Who Should Attend:

Commissioner Khouri would like to hear from the full spectrum of individuals who represent South Atlantic Ports’ interests and are involved in international trade and transportation in the region. These include:

• Government Officials
• South Atlantic Port Authority Representatives
• Truckers
• Terminal Operators
• Steamship Lines
• Chassis operators/lessors/pools
• Ocean Transportation Intermediaries
• Cargo Owners
• Labor Representatives

Registration

Participants may register by contacting the Commission’s Office of the Secretary. Please indicate whether you would like to speak at the Forum or attend without speaking. Also indicate whether you would like to speak at the morning or afternoon sessions.

Written Submissions:

For those speakers preparing written comments, please send your written comments as an attachment to an email to the Secretary@fmc.gov by 5:00 PM on Monday, October 27, 2014, with the subject line: “Speaker at October 30th Public Forum”.

The Commission is also accepting written comments in advance of the Forum from those who are unable to attend, or who plan to attend but do not wish to speak at the Forum. Please send your written comments to Secretary@fmc.gov, with the subject line: “October 30th Public Forum”.
Email: Secretary@fmc.gov
Telephone: (202) 523-5725

The Commission will provide confidential treatment to the extent allowed by law for submissions, or parts of submissions, for which the filer requests confidentiality. The Forum will be taped, transcribed, and maintained by the Commission.

Additional Information

Public Forum Point of Contact:

For questions regarding this Forum please contact:
Karen V. Gregory, Secretary,
Federal Maritime Commission,
(202) 523-5725.

South Carolina Ports Authority Points of Contact for Questions on the Day of the Forum:

Barbara L. Melvin
SVP, External Affairs
South Carolina Ports Authority
(843) 577-8799

and

Marsha A. Read
Executive Assistant
South Carolina Ports Authority
(843) 577-8609