The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is seeking public comment on whether cargo congestion has created an emergency situation resulting in an adverse effect on the competitiveness and reliability of the international ocean transportation supply system.
The comments will help the FMC to decide whether an emergency situation exists, and whether to issue an emergency order to address any such situation.
On June 16, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA 2022) became law. The law authorizes the FMC to issue an emergency order requiring any common carrier or marine terminal operator to share certain information with shippers and others when it unanimously determines that congestion of the carriage of goods has created an emergency situation that results in a substantial, adverse effect on the competitiveness and reliability of the international transportation supply system.
If the FMC determines that cargo congestion has created an emergency situation, it may issue an order requiring any common carrier or marine terminal operator to share directly with relevant shippers, rail carriers, or motor carriers information relating to cargo throughput and availability. Such information sharing among industry participants is to improve the efficient transportation, loading, and unloading of cargo to or from any inland destination or point of origin, any vessel, or any point on a wharf or terminal.
Comments must be submitted on or before Sept. 14. For more information, contact William Cody, secretary; Phone: (202) 523-5908; Email: [email protected].
