Archive for the ‘Sola’ Category

Statement by Commissioners Sola and Bentzel on Demurrage and Detention Relief by Ocean Carriers and Marine Terminal Operators due to the Expeditors Cybersecurity Incident

We understand that the supply chain is competitive, interdependent, and complex. In our everchanging world, the shipping industry is constantly working through major operational and cargo volume challenges to make itself more efficient all the while maintaining the integrity, security, and fluidity of the supply chain. On February 20, 2022,… Read More »

Commissioner Louis E. Sola Honored with Master Key and Honorary Lead Pilot

Federal Maritime Commissioner Louis E. Sola was honored by the Panama Canal Authority (PCA) with the award of its Master Key and Honorary Lead Pilot distinction. Ms. Ilya Espino de Marotta, Deputy Administrator and Vice President for Operations of the PCA, presided over the January 25th ceremony held in Panama… Read More »

Statement by Commissioner Louis E. Sola Regarding Future Bookings on Crystal Cruises

In light of certain recently reported events, passengers with future bookings on Crystal Cruises may be concerned about their ability to receive refunds for future tickets they have purchased.  Customers who bought a voyage embarking from a U.S. port have consumer protection safeguards in place by the FMC.   Crystal Cruises has… Read More »

Fact Finding 30 Final Report Released

The passenger cruise sector has implemented standards and safeguards that allow a vital part of the travel and hospitality industries to operate while managing health risks to vessel crew and passengers. Federal Maritime Commission Commissioner Louis E. Sola summarized this nearly two-year effort in the final report issued today on Fact Finding 30…. Read More »

Commissioners Bentzel and Sola visit PNW to explore port congestion & cruise industry issues

Federal Maritime Commissioners Carl W. Bentzel and Louis E. Sola traveled to Washington state the week of November 15-19, 2021, for meetings with port, maritime, and the cruise industry stakeholders to discuss pandemic-related impacts to those sectors and the broader issues of port competitiveness. While in the Pacific Northwest, the Commissioners met with local Coast Guard leadership and toured the Puget Sound to assess the impact of containerships anchored there waiting for access to the ports. During a site visit to the Port… Read More »

Letter of Commissioners Carl Bentzel and Louis Sola to Secretary Janet Yellen

Federal Maritime Commissioners Carl W. Bentzel and Louis E. Sola wrote Secretary Janet L. Yellen on November 5, 2021 concerning the proposed acquisition of Ports Amereica by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. Text of the letter: Dear Madam Secretary: We write to express concern with the potential investment proposed by the Canada… Read More »

Letter of Commissioners Daniel Maffei and Louis Sola to President Joe Biden

Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Daniel B. Maffei and Commissioner Louis E. Sola wrote the President on October 22, 2021 urging that “A Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic” contain an exemption for unvaccinated seafarers entering the United States to join a ship. Text of… Read More »

Commissioner Sola Receives Award for Work Addressing COVID Impacts to Passenger Cruise Sector

Commissioner Louis Sola was recognized by Seatrade Cruise magazine for his leadership in calling attention to COVID-19 related impacts to the cruise industry and identifying ways for this critical part of the hospitality and tourism industries to safely resume operations. The “Seatrade Outstanding Achievement of the Year” award was presented… Read More »

Letter of Commissioner Sola to President Joe Biden

Commissioner Louis E. Sola wrote to President Joe Biden on August 9, 2021 regarding COVID-19 Vaccinations and cruise travel. The text of the letter is below. Dear President Biden: Thank you for your leadership in battling the COVID-19 pandemic, which is the health scourge of our lifetime. Your tireless efforts… Read More »

Fact Finding 30 Interim Report Issued Examining Impacts to Eastern Seaboard

Commissioner Louis E. Sola yesterday released Economic Impact of COVID-19 on the Cruise Industry on the East Coast, the last in a series of interim reports issued as part of the ongoing Fact Finding 30 investigation he is conducting. The report examines direct and indirect economic impacts to ports and… Read More »