In a major development, the US Federal Maritime Commission issued an order authorizing Commissioner Rebecca Dye to identify operational solutions to cargo delivery system challenges related to COVID-19, reports the Safety4Sea
The Urgency at Ports
The Order highlights that the recent global events have only emphasized the economic urgency of responsive port and terminal operations to the effectiveness of the US international freight delivery system.
- The Commission has a clear and compelling responsibility to actively respond to current challenges impacting the global supply chain and the American economy.
- Accordingly, the Commission has determined there is a compelling need to convene new Supply Chain Innovation Teams to address these challenges
- Commissioner Dye will engage key executives to participate on the Innovation Teams.
These executives will represent all facets of the ocean cargo system including public port authorities, marine terminal operators, beneficial cargo owners, ocean transportation intermediaries, liner shipping companies, drayage trucking companies, longshore labor representatives, rail officials, and chassis providers.
Commissioner Dye will begin her work by interviewing port directors to determine what steps they can identify to mitigate critical supply chain challenges.
Maritime Supply Chain, the Priority
The maritime supply chain extends upstream and downstream from the ports and closely located logistics centers to American exporters and importers and keeping the system functioning is a priority of national importance, stated Commissioner Dye.
She added that small and medium-sized shippers are especially affected by a lack of cargo storage space and are running out of options of where to send shipments once offloaded. To address this problem, she informed that the Pacific Northwest Seaport Alliance has identified sites in their complex that can be used to stage cargo and containers off terminals.
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Source: Safety4Sea
