FMC Announces Hearing Agenda on Maritime Security Risks

February 2, 2024 The Federal Maritime Commission is set to conduct a hearing with testimonials from representatives of shipping, carrier, and port sectors to address the effects of current conditions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden on shipping and supply chains.

This hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, February 7, 2024, taking place in the Surface Transportation Board Hearing Room, located at 395 E Street, SW Washington, DC, 20423. The event is open to the public, though space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the proceedings will be broadcast live on the Commission’s YouTube channel, with no registration required for online viewing.

Hearing Schedule:
10:00 AM-10:30 AM — Opening Statements by the Chairman and Commissioners

10:30 AM-12:10 PM — First Panel Discussion with Shippers
· Featuring Sarah Gilmore, Director of Supply Chain Policy at the Retail Industry Leaders Association
· Jonathan Gold, Vice President of Supply Chain and Customs Policy at the National Retail Federation
· Peter Friedman, Executive Director at the Agriculture Transportation Coalition
· Lori Fellmer, Vice President of Logistics and Carrier Management at BassTech International, on behalf of the National Industrial Transportation League

12:10 PM-1:00 PM — Panel Discussion with Carriers and Ports
· Including Mario Cordero, CEO of the Port of Long Beach
· Joe Kramek, Director of US Government Relations at the World Shipping Council

2:00 PM-3:40 PM — Second Panel Discussion with Shippers and Maritime Security Topics
· Tim Avanzato, Vice President of International Operations at Lanca Sales, Inc.
· Eric Bartsch, Secretary of the USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council and the American Pulse Association
· Eric Byer, President and CEO of the Alliance for Chemical Distribution
· Ian Ralby, CEO of I.R. Consilium

3:40 PM-4:30 PM — Closing Statements by the Chairman & Commissioners

Please be advised that the schedule may be adjusted.