Christopher Koch News

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has received a formal proposal co-sponsored by a broad array of industry organizations, labor, and governments to require loaded containers to be weighed to determine their actual weight. The proposal was submitted by Denmark, The Netherlands, the United States, BIMCO, the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), and the World Shipping Council (WSC).

House Water Resources & Environment Subcommittee agrees investments needed. At a hearing today of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, AAPA Chairman of the Board Jerry Bridges, who also serves as executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, testified on the economic importance of seaports. Subtitled “Is the United States Prepared for 21st Century Trade Realities?”, the hearing focused exclusively on the economic contributions of U.S.

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation conducted an oversight hearing on The State of Maritime Security. The Chairman, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) generally complimented efforts of the various agencies in enhancing maritime security, but expressed concern over the lack of a comprehensive national maritime security plan and the seeming lack of coordination between the agencies. The Administration witnesses, Admiral Thomas Collins, USCG; Robert Bonner, Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Rear Admiral David Stone, USN (ret), Acting Administrator, Transportation Security Administration, summarized the maritime strategy for homeland security…

The Subcommittee on Border, Maritime & Global Counterterrorism of the House Committee on Homeland Security conducted an oversight hearing on Implementation of the SAFE Port Act. In his prepared statement, Committee Chair Bennie Thompson (D-MS) noted that the transportation worker identification credential (TWIC) program and the container security device regulations are far behind schedule. Subcommittee Chair Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) expressed her interest in the C-TPAT third party validator pilot program, the empty container security pilot program, long range vessel tracking, and the TWIC program. Ms. Maurine Fanguy, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), discussed recent progress in implementation of the TWIC program.

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation conducted a Hearing on Security of Terminal Operations at US Ports. The purpose of the hearing was to examine the possible security implications of acquisition by Dubai Ports World of P&O Ports. Senator Stevens (R-AK) pointed out that federal agencies, such as the Coast Guard and the Customs & Border Protection, are in charge of port security, not the operators of individual terminals. Most of the statements of the witnesses are not yet available. Mr. H. Edward Bilkey, COO of DP World, said that his company welcomes the opportunity to tell its side of the story regarding the acquisition. Mr. Christopher Koch, World Shipping Council, discussed the international character of shipping. Mr.

The NY/NJ Foreign Freight Forwarders and Brokers Association announced that Christopher Koch, president and CEO of the World Shipping Council, will be honored as “2006 Person of the Year” at their annual dinner to be held in New York on January 25, 2006. This recognition is given to someone who demonstrates commitment, contribution and achievement in the international trade, transportation and logistics arena. “We are most pleased to have Mr. Koch as our 2006 honoree,” said Stewart B. Hauser, president of the NY/NJ Foreign Freight Forwarders & Brokers Association. Christopher Koch serves as President and CEO of the World Shipping Council, a trade association representing the international liner shipping industry on public policy issues and public affairs.