FMC Votes to Allow East Coast Port Agreement to Proceed

The Federal Maritime Commission on April 7 voted to allow the East Coast Port Gateway Terminal Agreement to enter into force, the FMC said in a press release (here). The agreement will become effective April 10, and allow the Virginia Port and Georgia Ports authorities to discuss cargo handling practices, terminal operations, service options for ocean carriers, operating systems, equipment and joint marketing, the FMC said. However, the agreement doesn’t allow the two authorities to jointly negotiate, set and approve terminal rates or charges. The port authorities filed their agreement with the FMC on Feb. 24. "The East Coast Gateway Terminal Agreement is the latest example of port authorities and [marine terminal operators] MTOs looking to the Shipping Act and the Commission’s agreement authority as a way to improve service and operations which will ultimately benefit the American shipper and consumer," Acting FMC Chairman Michael Khouri said. "The ocean transportation services sector is a dynamic and competitive business where the marketplace drives innovation. The port authorities in Virginia and Georgia are responding to a changing industry."