 delivered his opening remarks at the July… ){kind=link}
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (R-MS) delivered his opening remarks at the July 22 hearing on the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) budget request highlighting his interest in the impact of flags of convenience.
The FMC is an independent agency responsible for the regulation of ocean-borne transportation in the foreign commerce of the United States.
Earlier this year, the FMC announced an investigation into vessel flagging laws, regulations, and practices of foreign countries.
“I fear these so-called flags of convenience create unfavorable shipping conditions in the foreign trade of the United States,” said Ezell. “Many vessels conducting international trade fly flags that differ from the nation where the ownership is based. The FMC is examining whether certain flag states may have standards that provide vessels with lower costs and oversight at the expense of reliability and safety.
“In line with President Trump’s executive order to restore American maritime dominance, we are working to bolster our domestic maritime capabilities, which are paramount to both the security and economic growth of our nation. I look forward to hearing from our witness on how the FMC plans to make United States…