Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act of 2023
This bill expands the Federal Maritime Commission's authority to regulate technology and anticompetitive practices within the international ocean transportation system.
First, the bill expands the definition of controlled carrier (a category of carriers that are subject to additional regulatory oversight) to include carriers legally or financially related to a corporation based in a nonmarket economy country.
Additionally, the bill requires the commission to accept and investigate complaints concerning alleged anticompetitive practices by registered shipping exchanges. (A shipping exchange is a data platform that enables businesses shipping goods to connect with carriers to transport those goods.)
Further, the bill requires the commission to establish a data standard to facilitate the voluntary sharing of supply chain data among U.S. shipping industry stakeholders. This standard must allow users to exchange data (using standardized terms and methods of measurement) in real time. The bill allows the Department of Transportation to require port authorities to adopt the standard to receive certain grants.
The commission must also establish standards for price indexes for containerized ocean freight that are published by shipping exchanges.
The bill also prohibits a recipient of certain federal grants from using China's logistics platform (LOGINK) or transportation logistics software controlled by a foreign adversary.
Finally, the bill establishes a National Port Advisory Committee and a National Ocean Carrier Advisory Committee. The committees, together with the existing National Shipper Advisory Committee, are charged with advising the commission on policies relating to the competitiveness, reliability, and efficiency in the international ocean freight delivery system.
Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act of 2023
This bill expands the Federal Maritime Commission's authority to regulate technology and anticompetitive practices within the international ocean transportation system.
First, the bill expands the definition of controlled carrier (a category of carriers that are subject to additional regulatory oversight) to include carriers legally or financially related to a corporation based in a nonmarket economy country.
Additionally, the bill requires the commission to accept and investigate complaints concerning alleged anticompetitive practices by registered shipping exchanges. (A shipping exchange is a data platform that enables businesses shipping goods to connect with carriers to transport those goods.)
Further, the bill requires the commission to establish a data standard to facilitate the voluntary sharing of supply chain data among U.S. shipping industry stakeholders. This standard must allow users to exchange data (using standardized terms and methods of measurement) in real time. The bill allows the Department of Transportation to require port authorities to adopt the standard to receive certain grants.
The commission must also establish standards for price indexes for containerized ocean freight that are published by shipping exchanges.
The bill also prohibits a recipient of certain federal grants from using China's logistics platform (LOGINK) or transportation logistics software controlled by a foreign adversary.
Finally, the bill establishes a National Port Advisory Committee and a National Ocean Carrier Advisory Committee. The committees, together with the existing National Shipper Advisory Committee, are charged with advising the commission on policies relating to the competitiveness, reliability, and efficiency in the international ocean freight delivery system.
Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act of 2023
This bill addresses the influence of the Chinese government on the U.S. shipping industry.
Specifically, the bill prohibits port authorities from using LOGINK or any similar Chinese state-affiliated transportation logistics public information platform.
The bill also enhances the Federal Maritime Commission's authority to address market manipulation, including by designating a private vessel based in a nonmarket economy or otherwise anticompetitive country as a controlled carrier. (The commission regulates controlled carriers to ensure that they charge fair market rates for shipping cargo.)
Under the bill, the commission must accept and investigate complaints about potentially unlawful actions by shipping exchanges. (A shipping exchange is a data platform that enables businesses shipping goods to connect with carriers to transport those goods.)
The bill also requires the commission to establish a data standard to help facilitate the voluntary sharing of supply chain data among carriers, port authorities, and other shipping industry stakeholders. This standard must allow users to exchange data (using standardized terms and methods) in real time consistent with industry practices. The commission must also establish standards for price indexes published by shipping exchanges.
The bill also establishes a committee with members representing marine terminal operators and port authorities to advise the commission on competitiveness, reliability, and efficiency in the international ocean freight delivery system.
(consideration: CR H1321-1322)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 393 - 24 (Roll no. 98). (text: 3/19/2024 CR H1213-1215)
Johnson (SD) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
(consideration: CR H1213-1216)
Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.