Earlier this week, two U.S. congressmen released proposed language for a bill—the Justice for Victims of Foreign Vessel Accidents Act—that was first announced via press release in August 2024. The proposed law would raise the...more
In light of the constant updates in the maritime sector, our Ports and Maritime team is launching this Bulletin. Here we cover the main legislative events, developments in Brazil’s National Agency of Waterway Transportation...more
Yet again the ocean freight bid season is unfolding against a backdrop of uncertainty. The 2024 season brings a confluence of economic, geopolitical, trade, and industry-related issues that have created a complex environment...more
Our team has prepared a summary on the main business opportunities in Brazilian ports. Below are the main opportunities that have been announced, are preparing to take effect, or are currently in progress....more
On February 23, 2024, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a Final Rule intended to add clarity to invoicing requirements outlined in the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA 2022). In particular, the Final Rule...more
The Hong Kong Convention, adopted at a 2009 diplomatic conference in Hong Kong, will enter into force on June 26, 2025. It was developed with the contribution of IMO Member States and non-governmental organizations, and in...more
On January 16, 2024, Law No. 14,813 (“Law 14,813”) was published, aiming to provide legal certainty and regulatory stability to pilotage services. Law 14.813 amends Law No. 9.537/97 (“Law 9,537”), which provides for the...more
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has granted special permission to ocean carriers to immediately increase the rates on containers that are being rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa or are retaining feeder...more
Marine terminal operators (MTOs) and ocean common carriers became easy targets upon which to cast blame for the port congestion issues and supply chain weaknesses arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic....more
On December 1, 2022, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC or the Commission) released “Interim Procedures for Processing Charge Complaints” filed with the Commission under the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA 22). In...more
As a result of the contagious ocean carrier saga, recently the subject of a Presidential Executive Order dealing with anti-competitive developments in ocean shipping, the contagion has now fixated on rail ramps where...more
The below e-mail recently received by the author paints the picture we are seeing a thousand fold in the current ocean shipping marketplace in the inbound/outbound Asia trade lanes which underscores the serous disconnect...more
According to media reports, a massive 400-meter container ship operated by Evergreen Marine Corp. in Taiwan, the Ever Given, became stuck in the Suez Canal after apparently running aground due to high winds from a sandstorm....more
What to Look for in Ocean Shipping and Offshore Industries in 2021 - Once he assumes office on Jan. 20, 2021, President-Elect Joe Biden will quickly need to develop a comprehensive strategy regarding U.S. ocean trade,...more
The major thrust of this post is to underscore certain micro trends which have emerged in the ocean transport industry in the recent past, which are not expected to transcend into macro territory, but will be present for a...more
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a final rule exempting vessel operating common carriers (VOCCs) from publishing "essential terms" of service contracts. The final rule took effect on its publication date of...more
Africa has an opportunity to lead on environmental and social global best practices - Some of the most important global sea lanes pass the continent of Africa. Major routes navigate the Cape of Good Hope between the Atlantic...more
El 6 de junio de 2018, la Comisión Federal Marítima de Estados Unidos (FMC por su sigla en inglés) aprobó en un voto un unánime (3-0) ciertos cambios que aliviarán las cargas regulatorias sobre intermediarios de transporte...more
On June 6, 2018, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) voted unanimously (3-0) to approve significant changes that will relieve regulatory burdens on Ocean Transportation Intermediaries (OTI) and simplify requirements for...more
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR) in FMC Docket 16-04 on Aug. 15, 2016. The FMC's July 2016 vote in favor of issuing the NPR advances a multiyear regulatory review....more