Please find attached  at Annex A, the monthly report prepared by the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) for May 2023.    

The report at Annex A covers the following:-   

1. The report details that two bills are likely soon to be introduced in Congress:  

-       The Clean Shipping Act of 2023: Would set out stricter carbon intensity standards for marine fuels and would require lifecycle carbon dioxide equivalent reductions of 20 per cent from January 2027 and 100 per cent from January 2040. This is proposed to be regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. 

-       The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act (S 1920): Aims to impose a pollution fee on large vessels unloading cargo at US ports. The carbon fee will be lifted if the IMO enforces a similar fee. Revenues will fund fleet modernization, US shipbuilding and pollution reduction programs. (No text uploaded on congress website, but details are expected to be updated here )

2. Makes a note that NOAA has proposed changes to ship strike reduction regulations, expanding speed zones, increasing vessel scope, and implementing mandatory speed reductions. Concerns about the economic impact on smaller vessels will be addressed in a June hearing with a report to follow;

3. Outlines that the CSA is monitoring legislation on maritime trade, including the Ocean Shipping Antitrust Enforcement Act (HR 1696), the Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act (HR 1836) and the American Port Access Privileges Act (HR 1013). HR 1836 has been reported out of the committee and awaits action on the House floor while HR 1696 and HR 1013 are with the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee;

4. And notes that the CSA is aware of inquiries about COVID reporting requirements for vessels in US ports. The USCG is in the process of rescinding the current requirements and reverting to pre-COVID reporting rules for infectious diseases. Updates will be provided once the USCG formally rescinds the guidelines.

The ICS Secretariat will monitor closely the issues outlined in the report above, and members are kindly invited to direct any comment or question on the attached report to Meme Lamlum, Policy Officer   at (meme.lamlum@ics-shipping.org).