Interview: Daniel Maffei, chairman of the FMC – new power, new responsibilities
Daniel Maffei Photo: Federal Maritime Commission By Alex Lennane 15/09/2023 The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) may have more teeth than before the pandemic, but chairman Daniel Maffei is keener on baring them than chomping down. He tells The Loadstar that having the new power is like being a referee, rather than a judge. “Since the…
US and Vietnam sign partnership in Biden visit, with eyes on China
US President Joe Biden has secured deals with Vietnam on semiconductors and minerals as the strategic Southeast Asian nation lifted Washington to Hanoi’s highest diplomatic status alongside China and Russia. The US has been pushing for the upgrade for months as it sees the manufacturing dynamo as a key country in its strategy to secure…
EU Commission cuts euro zone growth forecast as Germany in recession
in World Economy News 12/09/2023 The euro zone economy will grow slower than previously expected this year and next, the European Commission forecast on Monday as consumer demand suffers from high inflation and the biggest economy, Germany, slips into recession this year. In its interim forecasts for gross domestic product and inflation of the euro…
WTO chief slams rich nations for embracing protectionism
THE head of the World Trade Organization sharply criticized western governments for embracing protectionist policies and shifting toward a power-based global trading system. “Recent unilateral protectionist measures by some developed countries coupled with a more general reticence about the multilateral trading system and the WTO is seen as cynical and hypocritical by developing countries,” WTO…
US Court of Appeals to hear Evergreen detention case against FMC
EVERGREEN Shipping Line is taking its case to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, aiming to reverse a ruling made by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), reports New York’s Journal of Commerce. The FMC had deemed that Evergreen’s imposition of detention charges on a drayage provider at the Port of…
US Court of Appeals to hear Evergreen detention case against FMC
EVERGREEN Shipping Line is taking its case to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, aiming to reverse a ruling made by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), reports New York’s Journal of Commerce. The FMC had deemed that Evergreen’s imposition of detention charges on a drayage provider at the Port of…
FMC looks to data for reduced supply chain disruption
Article-FMC looks to data for reduced supply chain disruption Photo: Pixabay The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is pushing ahead with a data initiative that across shipping and the supply chain to standardise information flows and improve efficiency. Barry Parker | Aug 22, 2023 The FMC has gained an expanded role in overseeing cargo flows into,…
Nigeria creates standalone maritime ministry
Sam ChambersAugust 21, 2023 Nigeria has established a maritime ministry, aware of the growing need to establish a greater domestic shipping infrastructure. The Marine and Blue Economy Ministry has been carved out as a separate entity to the Transportation Ministry. “We are excited to collaborate with the Hon Ministers to drive a sustainable practices, technological…
Ukraine looking to restore Black Sea shipping despite Russian threats
THE passage of a cargo ship from Ukraine to Turkey last week vindicated Kyiv’s gamble that Russia would not act on threats to attack commercial shipping in the Black Sea. But the successful gambit leaves a bigger question for Ukraine: will any other commercial vessels follow the Joseph Schulte and dare to call Russia’s bluff?…
FMC probes claims that MSC overcharged customers for D&D
Photo: © Nikshor | Dreamstime.com By Alexander Whiteman 14/08/2023 MSC may face charges relating to alleged violations of the US Shipping Act following an Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) probe into claims it billed more than $2m of extra demurrage and detention (D&D) charges. The investigation follows an FMC audit of MSC’s D&D charges in 2021,…
EU to enact new set of eco rules and regulations for shipping
IN a bid to enhance maritime safety and curb pollution, the European Union (EU) is introducing a series of proposed changes to existing directives governing maritime practices, reports Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide. These reforms focus on key areas of maritime operations and aim to align EU regulations with international standards. Flag states, responsible for registering…
EU carbon tax to impact global rates, vessel deployments: analyst
WORLD shipping will soon be taxed by the European Union’s emissions trading system (ETS), that will impact shippers and carriers not only in Europe, but worldwide, reports New York’s Journal of Commerce. “Inclusion in the ETS will affect not only the cost of shipping to and from the EU, but also the cost of shipping…
European Council cites penalties for failing to obey new eco fuel law
THE European Council has signed off on the FuelEU maritime initiative, a sweeping measure that introduces penalties for failing to use eco-fuels, reports Fort Lauderdale’s Maritime Executive. The legislation is seen as a direct response to the lack of action by the UN’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and others. The measure was designed to induce…
No legal basis for Manila's box monitor system: Anti-Red Tape office
THE Philippines Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) found “no sound legal and empirical basis to establish the need” for the Philippine Ports Authority’s (PPA) container monitoring system, reports Manila’s Port Calls. ARTA recommends that the PPA instead explore “cost-effective alternatives” to address potential congestion without burdening stakeholders, said the report. Fees associated with system implementation will…
FMC aims to improve container availability data at major US ports
THE US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is taking steps to enhance data on container returns and availability in order to alleviate bottlenecks at the country’s largest ports, reports UK’s Seatrade Maritime News. Amid the implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA 2022), much of the FMC’s recent news has focused on enforcing the act’s…
FMC aims to improve container availability data at major US ports
Article-FMC aims to improve container availability data at major US ports Photo: Port of New York and New Jersey The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is seeking to improve data container returns and availability to reduce potential bottlenecks at the country’s largest ports. Barry Parker | Jul 28, 2023 Much of the news coming from…
EU initiative will 'kick-start' large-scale production of sustainable maritime fuels'
A German sign warns of air pollution Photo: © Frank Harms By Charlie Bartlett 26/07/2023 The much-anticipated FuelEU maritime initiative has been adopted by the European Council, heralding a far more conclusive campaign of ship emissions reduction than anything agreed at the IMO this month. The new measures force passenger ships and container vessels to…
‘FuelEU Maritime’ Regulation to Help Combat Ship Emissions
Photo: VanderWolf Images / Shutterstock European Council Adopts Mike Schuler July 25, 2023 The European Council has adopted the so-called ‘FuelEU maritime’ regulation to help increase the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in the maritime shipping sector and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The FuelEU legislation is intended to align maritime transport with the EU’s…