Maritime commission to host hearings

The Federal Maritime Commission announced that it would host public hearings on Jan. 16-17, 2018, to receive testimony from maritime industry witnesses regarding a petition filed by the Coalition for Fair Port Practices (Petition P4-16) that raised issues associated with detention, demurrage, and per diem charges. Those interested in presenting testimony must send a request to the FMC not later than Dec. 8, 2017. Acting Chairman Michael A. Khouri stated that one question was whether the FMC could craft a general rule of universal nationwide applicability on the issues given the wide variety of commercial terms and conditions incorporated into Vessel Operating Common Carrier (VOCC) service contracts and in Marine Terminal Operators (MTO) tariffs nationwide to address various events and circumstances. The hearings will be held in Washington, D.C. The FMC decided to hold hearings after receiving analysis of 115 public comments. (Source: Federal Maritime Commission 11/16/17)