23.01.27FMC to Receive More Comments

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) will issue a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) that addresses the issues that commenters raise in response to the unreasonable refusal to deal or negotiate with respect to vessel space accommodations proposed rule issued last September.

The announcement came during a meeting held on Wednesday in Washington where the implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 and a briefing on economic and industry trends were discussed in open session.

The FMC has received almost 30 comments in response to its notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on unreasonable refusal to deal or negotiate. The comments have raised a multitude of substantive questions that demand appropriate time and further opportunities for comments to be given thorough consideration. The SNPRM will address these matters and provide the FMC with an opportunity to receive additional public comments. The FMC will issue a release advising when the SNPRM is published.