The Biden Administration has set a new path to implementing requirements for compliance with the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA). The Office of Management and Budget is currently reviewing a new Supplemental Notice...more
When Congress enacted H.R.7776, the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23 NDAA), it included several provisions that addressed the requirements for so-called discretionary waivers of...more
In response to supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, on 16 June 2022, the U.S. Congress enacted the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA) to increase the authority of the Federal Maritime Commission...more
Mitigating the negative effects of climate change has been a signature issue of the Biden Administration, and if Thursday morning’s hearing on the decarbonization of the maritime industry is any indication, it will also be a...more
Lawmakers have scheduled their first oversight hearing on the issue of decarbonization in the maritime industry. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Transportation is slated...more
As the Biden Administration finds its stride in the first 100 days, we are starting to see movement on several of its key priorities. Chief among them: pivoting to a clean energy economy. A campaign that promised investments...more
Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR), chairman of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, recently introduced the Maritime Transportation System Emergency Relief Act (Maritime Relief Act). The bill could be...more
The Jones Act is the foundational law of the American maritime industry, and compliance with it is essential whether you are a vessel operator in the U.S. domestic trades or a foreign operator serving the U.S. market. The...more
Key Considerations and Best Practices for Ship Owners & Operators - As a vessel owner or operator, are you prepared to mitigate and manage the operational uncertainty and risks of COVID-19? The risks of COVID-19 to seafarers...more
On Tuesday evening, the House passed S. 140, the vehicle for reauthorization of the U.S. Coast Guard, unanimously by voice vote. The bill’s passage marks a successful compromise in a protracted struggle over the legislation’s...more
After a whirlwind midterm election night, the results are (mostly) in. The Republicans increased their majority in the Senate with wins in Indiana, North Dakota, and Missouri (and are leading in Florida) while losing only...more