US Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Mario Cordero
announced to staff on Jan. 13 that his priority for the Commission in 2015 is
addressing congestion issues that are plaguing the nation’s ports.
Numerous ports across America have been affected by terminal
congestion in 2014 and early 2015, most notably the adjoining port of Los
Angeles and Long Beach, the two largest, busiest seaports in North America.
Terminal management for West Coast ports has blamed the
backlogs in part on work slowdowns orchestrated by organized labor, but labor
has stated that “managerial mistakes,” including chassis shortages and a lack
of dock space for containers is to blame.
Last September, FMC commissioners began to lead public
forums concerning port congestion and international supply chain efficiency
issues. Cordero said that this focus is in keeping with the Commission’s 2014-2018 strategic
plan, which was unveiled in November 2013 and includes in its goals
maintaining “an efficient and competitive” ocean transport system.
“Among the Commission’s statutory goals is the assurance of
an efficient ocean transportation system,” Cordero said. “The efficient
operation of the nation’s ports is squarely within that mandate and paramount
to the Commission’s responsibilities. As we move forward, I look forward to a
thorough review of the issues and views that have been provided from various maritime
industry stakeholders.”
Cordero also said the Maritime Commission would continue its
role in “protecting the shipping public and addressing unreasonable or unjust
practices by carriers or marine terminal operators.”
