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Archive for 2020
ANPRM Addressing Cruise Line Performance & Refunds Available
The Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) addressing possible changes to regulations governing the definition of “non-performance” by a cruise line and the process for obtaining a refund when a vessel does not sail is now available for review. The Federal Maritime Commission voted in late September to initiate this… Read More »
Commission Votes to Initiate Service Contract Filing Regulatory Reform
The Federal Maritime Commission has voted to initiate a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that will, if ultimately approved, make permanent the current temporary exemption that allows initial service contracts to be filed at the agency up to 30 days after the agreement’s effective date. Current FMC regulations require the… Read More »
FMC Considering CMA CGM Petition
The Federal Maritime Commission is considering a Petition filed by CMA CGM, and affiliated companies, requesting temporary exemption from certain filing requirements. In its petition, CMA CGM seeks an exemption from certain tariff publications and service contract filings that were impacted by a recent cyberattack against the company. The Commission… Read More »
FMC Seeks Information from Public as Part of Examination of Carrier Billing Practices
The Federal Maritime Commission issued a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) today that will examine allegations that Vessel Operating Common Carriers (VOCCs) may be attempting to hold companies financially responsible for transportation services that they did not contract for and may not legally be required to pay. Comments filed in Docket… Read More »
Commissioner Sola Visits Alaska as Part of Fact Finding 30
On the heels of the recently released Fact Finding 30 report on Florida, Commissioner Louis E. Sola this week completed a multi-day regional assessment in Alaska. The Commissioner, as Fact Finding Officer, conducted the review as part of the continuing Fact Finding 30 investigation into the effect of the cessation… Read More »
Commissioner Bentzel Tours South Atlantic Ports; Hears From Regional Port Leadership, Maritime Companies, and Shippers
Commissioner Bentzel, and his Counsel John Young, visited four ports in five days over the period of September 21-25th, completing a South Atlantic port tour that also included meetings with various maritime and shipping companies in Wilmington, Charleston, Savannah, and Jacksonville (JAXPORT). The purpose of the visits was to better… Read More »
Commissioner Maffei Visits Port of New York and New Jersey
On September 29th, Commissioner Daniel B. Maffei visited the Port of New York and New Jersey for a tour of the NYSA-ILA-PPGU Training Center and the Maher Terminals facility. Commissioner Maffei tried out simulators at the training center, met with executives for Maher Terminals, and toured the port to see… Read More »
Commission Extends Temporary Exemption of Certain Service Contract Filing Requirements
In order to provide continued stability and certainty to ocean carriers and shippers impacted by COVID-19, the Commission will extend regulatory relief for service contract filing requirements until June 2021. The Commission voted unanimously this week to take this action. Commission regulations require the filing of service contracts with the… Read More »
Commission Requests Comments on Possible Changes to Regulations Governing Cruise Lines
The Federal Maritime Commission has voted to issue an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM). The ANPRM will gather information about possible changes to regulations governing the definition of “non-performance” by a cruise line and the process for obtaining a refund when a vessel does not sail. The ANPRM will… Read More »
Three Commissioners Participate in NCBFAA Panel: A Conversation with FMC
On Wednesday, September 23rd, Commissioners Dye, Maffei, and Bentzel spoke at a panel hosted virtually by the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America. The Commissioners each spoke for a few minutes and then answered questions from the audience. A wide variety of issues were covered, among them being… Read More »