FMC

FMC Technologies Unit Agreement Extension With Statoil

FMC Technologies, Inc. announced that its FMC Energy Systems business has signed an extension of its existing subsea service agreement with Statoil ASA to provide technical services and subsea equipment for an additional two years, with an option for two more years beyond that. Under the terms of the extension, FMC Energy Systems expects to receive approximately $60 million per year. The agreement comprises technical services in connection with completion, workover, installation, maintenance and other activities associated with subsea field development. The contract also includes provision of additional equipment for Statoil-operated fields previously supplied by FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS, the Company's Norway-based subsidiary. "We are pleased that Statoil has extended this service agreement," said Peter D. Kinnear, Vice President -- FMC Energy Systems. "This reflects our extensive experience as a subsea solutions provider in the North Sea, as well as the strength of our relationship with Statoil."

FMC Reopens Comment Period for Service Contract Petitions

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a series of orders reopening the comment period, through January 16, 2004, on the petitions by non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) for exemption from the prohibition against use of confidential service contracts. Interested persons may also request one-on-one meetings with individual Commissioners to describe their views. The FMC also denied several motions by parties to be allowed to submit reply briefs.

FMC Compromise Agreements

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a Notice reporting that it entered into nine compromise agreements with vessel-operating common carriers (VOCCs), ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs), freight forwarders, and proprietary shippers regarding alleged violations of the Shipping Act of 1984. Under the agreements, the FMC will recover an aggregate amount of $549,000 in civil penalties. Source: HK

FMC Issues Notice

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a notice stating that it is extending the period in which comments may be submitted in regards to the investigation of shipping restrictions, requirements, and practices of the People's Republic of China. The FMC is extending the comment date to June 27, 2002.

FMC to Determine Whether PRPA Entitled to Sovereign Immunity

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued an Order directing parties in three ongoing disputes involving the Puerto Rico Ports Authority (PRPA) to file additional briefs specifically addressing whether or not PRPA is an arm of the government of the Puerto Rico and entitled to sovereign immunity for purposes of actions brought before the FMC by third parties. Source: HK Law

LEGAL: FMC Investigates Exclusive Tug Agreements

The Federal Maritime Commission, or FMC, is currently making a formal investigation into exclusive tug franchise arrangements in ports in Florida and the lower Mississippi River area. The issue is whether these licenses, with which marine terminal operators grant exclusive towing licenses to certain tug companies, are unreasonably anticompetitive and violate the Shipping Act of 1984. The FMC initially began an inquiry into supposed exclusive franchise agreements involving some tug operators

Supreme Court Finds States Immune from FMC Action

In a sharply divided decision (5-4), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the concept of sovereign immunity protects states from having to answer private complaints before the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). In the instant case, a cruise line filed a complaint with the FMC against the South Carolina State Ports Authority alleging that the Authority violated the Shipping Act of 1984 when it refused berthing space and passenger services

MPA Entitled to Sovereign Immunity in FMC Action

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) ruled that the Maryland Port Authority is entitled to sovereign immunity from the regulatory adjudication of a privately-filed Shipping Act complaint. In the instant case, a marine terminal company filed an action with the FMC alleging that the port authority was violating the Shipping Act of 1984 in its negotiations with the company on lease terms. In this long-running action, the FMC found the port authority to be an arm of the State of Maryland and

Halter Chosen for $400M Project

Halter Marine has been chosen by the Egyptian Navy to construct four Ambassador MK III Fast Missile Patrol Craft (FMC). The vessels will be the continuation of the Ambassador Class Patrol Craft, which were previously designed and built by Halter. Lockheed Martin, a key subcontractor, will provide combat system design and integration. The contract, which also includes spare parts and technical services, calls for construction to begin in the second quarter of 2001 at Halter's Mississippi

Halter Marine Gets $400 Million Project For Egyptian Navy

Halter Marine has been chosen by the Egyptian Navy to construct four Ambassador MK III Fast Missile Patrol Craft (FMC). The vessels will be the continuation of the Ambassador Class Patrol Craft, which were previously designed and built by Halter. Lockheed Martin, a key subcontractor, will provide combat system design and integration. The contract, which also includes spare parts and technical services, calls for construction to begin in the second quarter of 2001 at Halter's Mississippi