US FMC adjusts maximum penalty fees
The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has increased the maximum penalties assessed for statutory violations effective January 15, 2025, as required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 2015. The increases are tied to the rate of inflation.
Maximum penalties for knowing and wilful violations of the Shipping Act will increase to $74,943 from $73,045; and maximum penalties for violations that are not knowing and wilful will increase to $14,988 from $14,608. Under the statute, each day of a continuing violation constitutes a separate violation. In addition, the maximum per voyage fee on foreign carriers, to redress discrimination against US carriers under the Foreign Shipping Practices Act, will increase to $2,626,135 from $2,559,636. The maximum per voyage fee against foreign flag vessels to address unfavourable shipping conditions under the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 will increase to $2,364,503 from $2,304,629.
The Commission will also increase the fees for seven other penalties. The complete list of penalties is published in the Federal Register, informed a release.
Source: Exim News Service: Washington, Jan. 16