Waterfront employers back bipartisan call for National Port Advisory Committee at FMC

The National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE) today backed a bipartisan letter sent by Reps. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-4) and Mike Ezell (R-MS-4) to Federal Maritime Commissioner Daniel Maffei calling on the Federal Maritime Commission (“FMC” or “Commission”) to use its existing authority to establish a National Port Advisory Committee that would be comprised of public port authorities, marine terminal operators (MTOs), and maritime labor. If established, the committee would advise the FMC on present and emerging issues facing the maritime industry. This administrative action would be entirely consistent with the intent of legislation reported by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee earlier this year found in section 106 of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2023.

“Marine terminal operators play a pivotal role in the American economy and supply chain, and it is imperative that our members be a part of conversations that shape maritime policy and regulations addressing the supply chain. The proposed committee would ensure balanced representation of public port authorities, MTOs, and maritime labor,” said NAWE President Robert Murray. “NAWE believes this proactive approach would strengthen the U.S. supply chain and provide a crucial platform for MTOs to contribute valuable insights that foster collaboration and efficiency on the waterfront.”