MaritimeFedWatch

On June 11, 2020, U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation, introduced the “Maritime Administration Authorization and Improvement Act.” The bill, to be considered by the U.S. Congress, would, among other things, re-authorize the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD).

On July 17, 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit dismissed the challenge by Matson Navigation Company, Inc. of U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) decisions approving vessel substitutions for APL Marine Services, Ltd.

On October 9, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to accelerate increased funding for the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). MSP provides financial support to 60 particularly militarily useful U.S.-flag vessels engaged in the foreign trade. The context was the consideration by the House of Representatives of H.R. 702, a bill authorizing unrestricted U.S. crude oil exports.

On August 5, 2015, the U.S. Maritime Administration proposed new rules for the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). MSP secures the services of 60 privately owned U.S.-flag vessels for the U.S. Government in exchange for an annual stipend currently set at $3.1 million. The largest participant in the Program is Maersk Line, Limited.