US FMC examining shipping lines’ anti-retaliation compliance

Posted on December 19, 2022   |  

The US Federal Maritime Commission is requesting the top 20 shipping lines to call the United States to provide details on how they are following the new prohibitions on retaliation launched by the country’s Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA).

The added protections against retaliation were formed via OSRA and became effective instantly upon the law’s implementation in June. 

The prohibitions apply to common carriers, marine terminal operators, and ocean transportation mediators.

The Commission’s Vessel-Operating Common Carrier (VOCC) Audit Team is examining how ocean carriers are adjusting to the increased prohibitions on retaliatory and discriminatory behavior. 

The team will focus on how companies are training personnel at all levels to act legally and informing those same employees of the effects of breaking the law.

The examination began this week and all recipients will have until mid-January to provide their initial responses.