FR 2024-31454

The document in question is a notice from the Federal Maritime Commission published in the Federal Register. It announces the filing of an agreement between two shipping companies, Maersk A/S and Network Shipping, Ltd. This agreement permits these companies to share cargo space on ships traveling between ports in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, and California. Such agreements are typical in the shipping industry as they can enhance efficiency by enabling more flexible use of shipping capacity.

General Summary

The notice specifies that the agreement, referred to as the Maersk/Network Shipping Ltd. Ad Hoc Space Charter Agreement, was filed by Wayne Rohde of Cozen O'Connor. The proposed effective date for this arrangement is February 3, 2025. Interested stakeholders are encouraged to review the details online and submit comments within a designated timeframe. The intention is to gather input, which the Commission will consider as part of the review process.

Significant Issues or Concerns

There are several issues associated with this notice:

1. Ambiguous Timelines for Comments: The document advises that comments will be most useful if submitted within 12 days of notification in the Federal Register. For agreements stipulating expedited review, comments should be submitted within 7 days. This dual timeline could create confusion, particularly regarding when the shorter period applies. Clearer guidelines or specific examples could help clarify this distinction.

2. Formatting of Contact Information: The email address provided for submitting comments is formatted with extra spaces and asterisks. This atypical presentation might confuse readers or result in failed communication attempts, potentially frustrating stakeholders trying to engage with the process.

3. Lack of Explicit Comment Deadline: While the effective date of the agreement is noted, the specific deadline for the submission of comments is not explicitly stated. Including a precise deadline would aid stakeholders in understanding their timeframe for providing input.

4. Use of Technical Jargon: Terms such as "ad hoc basis" and "charter space" may not be fully understood by those unfamiliar with legal or maritime industry terminology. A more detailed explanation could make the document more accessible to a general audience.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, particularly those not directly involved in the maritime industry, the implications of this notice might seem distant. However, agreements like these can affect shipping costs and availability, which might indirectly impact consumer prices and the supply chain.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• Maritime Industry Professionals: For those in the shipping or logistics sectors, understanding the specifics of this agreement is crucial as it could influence market dynamics, competition, and operational strategies.

• Businesses Relying on Shipping Services: Companies that rely on importing or exporting goods to/from the specified regions may experience changes in shipping conditions or costs. Awareness of such agreements could inform their logistics planning and budgeting.

• Regulatory and Trade Analysts: Professionals in this field may be interested in how such agreements align with regulatory frameworks and impact international trade patterns.

Overall, while this notice may appear primarily administrative, it lays the groundwork for operational changes in the shipping industry that can ripple through various sectors of the economy. Addressing the identified issues could enhance stakeholder engagement and compliance.