President Joe Biden, in an executive order, encouraged the Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission to work with the rest of the Commission to "vigorously enforce the prohibition of unjust and unreasonable practices in the context of detention and demurrage pursuant to the Shipping Act."
President Biden issued Executive Order 14036 of July 9, 2021, to promote competition in the American economy.
President Biden noted that the global container shipping industry has consolidated into a small number of dominant foreign-owned lines and alliances, which can disadvantage American exporters.
He also encouraged the FMC to request from the National Shipper Advisory Committee recommendations for improving detention and demurrage practices and enforcement of related Shipping Act prohibitions.
He added that the FMC should consider further rulemaking to improve detention and demurrage practices and enforcement of related Shipping Act prohibitions.