The Federal Maritime Commission has stated that it’s keeping a close eye on the impact of the Middle East conflict on shipping conditions through the Strait of Hormuz.
This as several shipping lines – the likes of CMA CGM, Maersk, OOCL and MSC – have implemented emergency fuel surcharges to absorb rising bunker prices and ongoing market effects of the war.
Under its statutory authority, the Commission ensures that rates, charges and rules that common carriers have implemented as a result of the threats to commercial shipping in the Strait and neighbouring waters do not violate the Shipping Act.
Carriers are required to provide at least 30 days between the publication and effective date of a change to a tariff that results in an increased cost to shippers.
There is, however, a process through which a carrier may submit a Special Permission (SP) request showing good cause to reduce this 30-day waiting period.
The FMC reviews and votes on all SP requests. If an SP is granted, the approval will show the effective date permitted for the charge.
The organisation has urged shippers to access and review their carrier’s tariff.
“Ocean common carriers are responsible for ensuring that service contracts and their amendments are filed in a timely and accurate manner and in compliance with the Shipping Act’s statutory prohibitions against unjust discriminatory practices, unreasonable prejudices and unreasonable refusals to deal.”
