FMC pushes stronger shipping oversight and enforcement in FY2027 budget request

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has requested a Fiscal Year 2027 budget of USD 40 million while outlining a broader strategy to strengthen oversight of global shipping practices, supply chain resilience and protection of U.S. exporters and importers. Speaking before the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation on 3 June 2026, FMC Chairman Laura DiBella emphasized that geopolitical tensions, foreign shipping practices and maritime chokepoints remain key risks to global trade.

The proposed budget includes approximately USD 27 million for salaries and benefits, USD 4.4 million for rent and security, and USD 5.8 million for information technology modernization. The agency said the funding would support investigations, enforcement actions and monitoring of international shipping markets.

A major focus of the FMC's recent work has been enforcement. In January 2026, the agency concluded a case against Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), imposing a USD 22.67 million penalty related to deceptive billing practices. The penalty was reportedly paid in full to the U.S. Treasury by May 2026. The FMC also reached a separate USD 1.9 million settlement with Maersk during FY2026.

The Commission is currently examining several issues with potential global trade implications, including investigations into flags of convenience, maritime chokepoints such as the Suez Canal, Panama Canal and Strait of Malacca, as well as Spain's restrictions on certain U.S.-flag vessels. These reviews reflect growing concerns over supply chain reliability and market access amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty.

The testimony also highlighted the FMC's legal successes in defending key Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) regulations. U.S. courts recently upheld FMC rules related to unreasonable refusals to deal and detention charges during port closures, reinforcing the agency's authority over carrier practices.

For shippers, carriers and logistics providers, the message is clear: regulatory scrutiny of ocean transportation continues to intensify. As governments place greater emphasis on supply chain security and maritime competitiveness, compliance and transparency are becoming increasingly important across international shipping networks.