Attached at Annex A, please find the monthly report prepared by the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) for March 2026.

The report at Annex A:

1. Reports that CSA submitted letters to the Secretary of Homeland Security and Secretary of War regarding the Administration’s recent decision to issue a 60-day Jones Act waiver in response to fuel price volatility. A similar letter was also sent to the Administrator of MARAD. The letter reiterates CSA’s position against the waiver and in support of the Jones Act in its current form.

2. Outlines details concerning the State of California’s implementation of a voluntary program, Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program, several years ago which focused on the air emissions reductions and mitigation of whale ship strikes associated with implementation of vessel speed restrictions (VSRs) in coastal areas, off of certain California ports. The program expanded to the entire state of California in 2025, and the following vessels sectors are encouraged to enrol in the program: container ships, car carriers, bulk, general cargo, tank vessels and cruise lines. Despite advocacy from the industry to delay the start of the program, to give time to shipping companies to adapt to the new requirements, this program will be implemented as of 22nd April 2026. CSA encourages shipping companies to participate where practical, noting that even if an enrolled company is unable to meet the minimum program criteria, there is no penalty.

3. Raises awareness that as the result of intra-industry discussions, companies currently participating in the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies program are considering termination of their respective contracts for the 2026 season based on a recommendation made by the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA). Given that the value of this program is the high level of voluntary participation and if significant resignations from the program occur for the 2026 season, it will send a strong signal to the agencies that better and more timely collaboration with industry is necessary to result in the level of success in past years.

4. Announces that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking to amend the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule (the speed reduction rule). CSA will submit comments in June and is calling for inputs. CSA analysis is available here.