The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has a new chairperson, Laura DiBella. Above is a quick video of introduction.
Chairperson DiBella understands the importance of ports on our economy and is helping push the administration’s focus on making “the strongest push in decades to support the industry.”
DiBella supports the ports and infrastructure, and she supports the cargo owners. Last week, the FMC unanimously voted against approving the ocean carriers’ request to waive the 30-day filing period before implementing their emergency fuel surcharges. Chairperson DiBella said, “…the carrier should demonstrate how its increased costs are linked to the dollar amount of the proposed surcharge. An assertion that there are increased costs, without any data on what those costs are, how long they may last and what steps the carrier is taking to mitigate them, is insufficient in demonstrating good cause.”
The FMC is also paying close attention to the increase in Panama-flag vessel detentions and inspections at Chinese ports. The FMC is concerned these actions are in retaliation for the Panamanian Supreme Court’s nullification of Hong Kong-based terminal operator CK Hutchinson Holdings contracts to operate ports at both ends of the canal.
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced $488.6M in grants to fund port projects to modernize port infrastructure and operations. MARAD Administrator Stephen Carmel said, “America’s ports fuel our economy, bolster domestic energy, and cut costs for hardworking families, making them worthy of taxpayer investment.”