Update on the Key Bridge Marine Casualty
In light of the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, and as a Baltimore-based company, we join with our fellow business, governmental and local community to express our deepest gratitude for the brave responders who are working on search and rescue efforts. Our thoughts and prayers are directed to all those impacted [...]
Electronic Organic Import Certificates Required by USDA
The organic sector of American agriculture has seen unprecedented growth over the past decade. U.S. sales of organic products continue to grow, and global organic supply chains have become increasingly more complex. With this growth, including an increase in organic imports entering the U.S., the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking new steps [...]
New Ruling on Detention & Demurrage Charges
A ruling was issued last week by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) that establishes new billing requirements for common carriers and marine terminal operators (MTOs). These requirements - which cover charges incurred for demurrage and detention charges - ultimately provide a clearer picture on who may be billed, the timeframe of billing, and the process [...]
CBP Releases Vessel Entrance and Clearance System (VECS)
The Winter issue of the Maritime Exchange’s The Beacon reported that The Customs and Border Protection Vessel Entrance and Clearance System, known as VECS, has been widely accepted by the steamship community as a major improvement. VECS is an electronic portal for ship agents and other filers to submit the data required on CBP forms [...]
Maryland Oyster Industry to Benefit from the Ever Forward Grounding
It’s been nearly two years since the 1,095-foot Ever Forward container ship ran aground on an upper Chesapeake Bay oyster bar. The Ever Forward was refloated on April 17, 2022, after a month of intensive dredging and multiple extraction efforts, including the help of John S. Connor. Connor focused skill in two areas; our [...]
Red Sea Security Concerns Force Increases in Shipping Rates
This is a follow-up on our initial newsletter sent last month. Please click here for the original post. Due to security concerns along the Red Sea, many ocean carriers have taken measures to protect their seafarers and vessels. As a result of these diversions, transit times have increased for voyages from Asia to Europe and the [...]
USTR Extends Exclusions from China Section 301
The Office of the United States Trade Representative announced on December 26, 2023 the further extension through May 31, 2024, of the reinstated and COVID-related exclusions in the China Section 301 Investigation. (The exclusions were previously scheduled to expire on December 31, 2023). USTR announced the opening of a docket for public comments on existing exclusions [...]
Ship Named and Celebrated at Camden Port
On Oct. 25, 2023, port leaders, legislators, and representatives from Clipper Bulk Shipping gathered at Balzano Terminal to celebrate the naming and maiden voyage of one of its state-of-the-art vessels - the “Norse Camden.” International shipping company, Clipper Bulk Shipping Ltd, wanted to honor the City of Camden, NJ., the company’s largest U.S. port of [...]
Ocean Carriers Announce ETS Surcharge in 2024
Beginning January 1, 2024, new carbon taxes will impact all shipping customers involved in transporting goods to, from, and within the European Economic Area (EEA), which consists of EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Ocean carriers have announced the implementation of the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) surcharge to [...]
Merchandise Process Fee (MPF) Update.
This is a reminder of the upcoming Merchandise Process Fee (MPF) changes. Per CSMS Message #57131638 from CBP: Minimum / Maximum Increase Pursuant to the General Notice (88 FR 48900) published July 28, 2023, adjustments to certain customs user fees and corresponding limitations, as codified in 19 U.S.C. § 58c, will take effect on October [...]