On 13 March 2025, the Federal Maritime Commission announced the initiation of an investigation into transit restrictions in key global maritime straits. The initiative, formalised under docket no. Fmc-2025-0005, seeks to examine the impact of regulations and policies adopted by foreign governments and operators of foreign-flagged vessels on international shipping and Us trade.
Presenting the initiative, the Commission expressed concern over the increasing challenges affecting maritime transit in strategic areas of international commerce. The primary bottlenecks identified include the English Channel, the Strait of Malacca, the Northeast Passage, the Strait of Singapore, the Panama Canal, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the Suez Canal. These passageways face issues such as congestion, environmental risks, adverse weather conditions, and geopolitical tensions that complicate navigation and could impact global supply chains. The investigation will also consider extraordinary events, such as the recent collapse of the Baltimore Bridge in March 2024, which blocked maritime access to the city's port, leading to estimated economic losses of up to four billion dollars.
The Commission’s objective is to gather information on the causes and effects of transit restrictions, assessing their economic and environmental impact, as well as the role of foreign regulations in obstructing shipping activities. It will also examine the practices of foreign-flagged vessel operators and projections for 2025 concerning the evolution of these restrictions. The Fmc aims to identify effective short- and long-term strategies to mitigate the negative consequences on shipping and overcome the barriers preventing corrective measures from being implemented.
Should the investigation reveal that specific transit conditions are detrimental to Us maritime trade due to foreign regulations or discriminatory practices, the Fmc may take steps to restore balance. Potential measures under consideration include banning vessels flying the flag of nations responsible for such restrictions from entering Us ports. To ensure a thorough and detailed analysis, the Commission has invited stakeholders, including governments, shipping companies, and environmental organisations, to submit relevant comments and data. Observations may be submitted within sixty days of the publication of the inquiry order in the Federal Register.
