As the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) strike commenced yesterday morning, our team received word from a source with knowledge of operations at the Port of New York and New Jersey (NYNJ) that, one by one, NYNJ terminals decided to “freeze the clock” on detention and demurrage (D&D) charges for the duration of the ILA strike.
On February 23, 2024, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a Final Rule intended to add clarity to invoicing requirements outlined in the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA 2022). In particular, the Final Rule provides minimum information for demurrage and detention (D&D) invoices and procedures for disputing charges. D&D invoices have created a host of issues for importers and shippers throughout the economy, especially as they relate to the lack of information provided on the invoices.
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has granted special permission to ocean carriers to immediately increase the rates on containers that are being rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa or are retaining feeder vessels for pickup of cargo at high-risk ports in the Red Sea due to increased hostilities. Since mid-November 2023, Houthi rebels based in Yemen have attacked Red Sea shipping bound for Israel or linked to Israeli ports. Reported security incidents have ranged from outright attacks, approaches, and business interruptions to mere sightings.
Force majeure contract provisions are potentially coming into play as Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and other ocean carriers divert ships around geopolitical trouble spots in the Red Sea.
Less than two weeks after President Biden officially announced his agreement with the Port of Los Angeles to begin operating 24/7, the ports of LA and Long Beach have decided to implement a new fee for containers sitting at the ports for extended periods of time. Combined, the ports of LA and Long Beach handle