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FMC Chairman Outlines Proactive Approach to Ocean Shipping Oversight

The Federal Maritime Commission is shifting toward a proactive regulatory stance following pandemic-related disruptions that flooded the agency with shipper complaints. Chairman Laura DiBella said the FMC now aims to anticipate industry problems rather than respond after they occur. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 expanded the agency's enforcement authority beyond U.S. borders and added $6 million to its annual budget. This funding enabled the commission to process complaints more efficiently with expanded staffing. The law also redefined prohibited carrier actions and strengthened terminology standards. DiBella emphasized the FMC functions as an industry resource rather than purely a punitive enforcement body. The agency is studying maritime chokepoints while monitoring surcharge practices that have drawn significant shipper grievances during recent years of port congestion and vessel delays.