FMC to Investigate Port Fees

The Federal Maritime Commission will investigate the "current conditions and practices of vessel operating common carriers and marine terminal operators, and U.S. demurrage, detention, and per diem charges," the agency said in a notice. An industry petition in 2016 asked the FMC to prohibit such fees during unexpected events (see 1612080021). FMC Commissioner Rebecca Dye will oversee the investigation as the designated investigative officer, the FMC said in a news release. A final report with findings and recommendations is due Dec. 2. Among other things, Dye will seek to answer "whether the alignment of commercial, contractual, and cargo interests enhances or aggravates the ability of cargo to move efficiently through U.S. ports."