The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has outlined its Fiscal Year 2027 budget request, alongside updates on enforcement activity, dispute resolution and regulatory implementation.
Testifying before the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, FMC Chair Laura DiBella said the Commission remains focused on competition oversight, shipping law enforcement and supply chain regulation amid continued pressure on global maritime trade.
The Commission is seeking $40 million for FY2027, including $27 million for salaries and benefits, $4.4 million for rent and security services, and $5.8 million for IT systems and maintenance.
The FMC said its work continues to cover a broad range of market and operational issues, including supply chain disruption, carrier conduct, competition oversight and the impact of geopolitical instability on shipping conditions.
The agency said investigations into flags of convenience and global maritime chokepoints remain ongoing. The chokepoint review, launched in 2025, covers the Suez Canal, Panama Canal, Singapore Strait, Strait of Gibraltar and other major trade routes, while the Commission also continues to monitor developments affecting the Strait of Hormuz.
Separately, the FMC is examining allegations that Spain restricted access for certain US-flag vessels and is reviewing the potential impact of Canada’s planned ballast water regulations on US-flag operators.
In the container sector, the Commission said it continues to review chassis-related practices and service contract structures, following earlier enforcement activity across several US logistics corridors.
The agency also confirmed the conclusion of an enforcement case against Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), which resulted in a $22.67 million civil penalty for Shipping Act violations related to billing practices. The penalty has been paid to the US Treasury.
In FY2026, the FMC also reached a $1.9 million settlement with A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S, Vessel Operating Common Carrier.
The FMC said several court rulings have upheld its authority under the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) 2022, including decisions supporting detention fee rules during port closures and regulations covering carrier conduct and billing practices.
In March 2026, the US Court of Appeals upheld the FMC’s rule on unreasonable refusals to deal. Other litigation concerning detention and demurrage provisions remains ongoing following partial judicial review.
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The Commission also continues to monitor carrier cooperation agreements and alliances under its competition oversight role, including an ongoing review of the World Shipping Council agreement after determining that certain provisions exceeded statutory limits.
The FMC said it is nearing completion of the remaining OSRA 2022 rulemakings, including regulations covering shipping exchange registration and definitions of unfair or discriminatory practices.
Dispute resolution activity has also increased. The FMC reported 372 informal disputes resolved in FY2025 and 565 requests for assistance received so far in FY2026. The agency said it recovered approximately $1.7 million for shippers and consumers through its assistance programmes.
Formal adjudicatory workloads have also risen, with 83 cases handled and 291 orders issued in FY2025. The FMC said additional administrative law judge support has been provided through an agreement with the US Department of Health and Human Services.
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Charge complaint volumes remain steady, with 195 cases recorded in FY2026 to date under OSRA 2022 provisions.
The FMC also confirmed it rejected requests from carriers seeking expedited approval for war risk and bunker surcharges linked to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, citing insufficient justification for reducing the standard notice period.
DiBella said carriers must demonstrate a direct link between surcharge levels and underlying cost increases before approval is considered.
For more information:
Federal Maritime Commission – https://www.fmc.gov/
