Trump Names New Leader for Maritime Regulator FMC | Mariner News

President Trump has selected Laura DiBella, a former Florida commerce secretary, to spearhead the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). This pivotal appointment sees DiBella taking charge of the nation’s key maritime regulator, as the commission expands its influential role within the global shipping industry. Her leadership comes at a crucial time, with the FMC increasingly focused on ensuring fair practices and stability in ocean commerce.

Bolstering Shipping Oversight and Container Commerce

Laura DiBella’s extensive background in economic development and her recent work as a consultant and lobbyist equip her for this critical position. The FMC is tasked with regulating international ocean commerce, with a significant emphasis on container shipping. Congress significantly broadened the commission’s authority in 2022, a direct response to widespread complaints from retailers and manufacturers about unfair business practices, particularly concerning container fees during the Covid-19 pandemic. This expansion empowers the FMC to provide more muscular regulatory oversight.

Tackling Key Maritime Challenges

The commission is actively investigating several pressing issues affecting U.S. trade flows, including practices like foreign vessel-flagging and the impact of constraints at vital maritime chokepoints, such as the Suez Canal. As a bipartisan five-member body, the FMC continues to address complex challenges facing the maritime industry. DiBella’s appointment, alongside the pending confirmation of another nominee, Robert Harvey, signals a renewed focus on upholding transparency and fairness in the sector.