Order of Investigation and Request for Comments: Investigation into Flags of Convenience and Unfavorable Conditions Created by Certain Flagging Practices
The World Shipping Council (WSC), as the primary industry trade association representing international liner shipping, applauds the Commission for raising the important issues posed by vessels that are flagging under fraudulent registries, or nation States not adhering to international regulations for safety and security at sea. Vessels purposely engaging in such conduct, as well as nation States that abdicate their flag-State responsibilities, put all seafarers, vessels and coastal States at risk, and threaten the efficient flow of the ocean commerce that carries more than ninety percent of global trade.
WSC USTR comments on Section 301 investigation
The World Shipping Council (WSC), the international trade association representing container and vehicle carriers, today expressed to the U.S. Trade Representative its concern that the proposed imposition of a port fee on Chinese-built vessels would only serve to raise prices for U.S. consumers and harm U.S. export businesses, acting as a new tax on imports and exports.