Lidinsky: FMC has role in industryÆs recovery
Richard A. Lidinsky Jr. believes the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has a definite role to play in helping the ocean shipping industry through the economic recovery.
‘We meet today as our ports are suffering double-digit percentage cargo declines. Over 500 containerships are laid up or at anchor awaiting work. On certain foreign trade routes, carriers are moving containers virtually for free, charging just handling and fuel costs,’ Lidinsky testified during his confirmation hearing for FMC commissioner before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday.
‘It is the role of the FMC, through its regulatory powers, to assist all segments of our waterborne commerce — vessels, ports, support industries, labor both on board our ships and on our terminals, truckers and railroads — in regaining their economic vitality and jobs when the upturn comes,’ he said.
If confirmed by the Senate, Lidinsky said he would ensure that the FMC meets its legislative mandates and oversees dominant and emerging ocean shipping trades, while also keeping track of the impact on the United States on how other nations regulate their ocean carriers.
‘The commission can also work with U.S.-flag carriers, ports and those involved in their operations with green projects and other job-creating innovations consistent with FMC authority,’ he said.
In addressing a question about improving communication between the FMC and industry from Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., Lidinsky replied, ‘It should be better and we’re going to work toward that goal.’
Lidinsky is no stranger to the U.S. maritime industry. He started his career as a congressional aid to the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee before joining the FMC’s Office of General Counsel as legislative counsel from 1973 to 1975.
In 1975, Lidinsky was appointed by the Maryland Port Administration to be director of tariffs and national port affairs. He was considered a key architect of the port protection sections in the Panama Canal Treaty implementing legislation and the 1984 Shipping Act. He also helped negotiate on behalf of the Port of Baltimore one of the first U.S.-China trade agreements.
In 1985, Lidinsky was hired by Sea Containers Ltd., a container manufacturing and leasing company, to establish its Washington office. As vice president of government affairs until 2006, he established Sea Containers’ contracts with the Defense Department to supply military equipment from the company’s factory in Charleston, S.C.
Lidinsky also served as a member of the Defense Transportation Association’s Sealift Transportation Committee; as board director and on the Defense, Transportation and Port Security Committee of the British-American Business Association; and a high-level expert to the U.S. NATO Delegation on the Ports and Intermodal Transportation Committee from 1995 to 2005.
He most recently worked as an attorney and international trade consultant in private practice.
Lidinsky’s nomination follows Obama’s decision in early June to name sitting FMC Commissioner Joseph E. Brennan as acting chair of the agency. Commissioner and former Chairman Harold J. Creel Jr. retired at the end of June. With Lidinsky’s confirmation, the agency will have three commissioners, including Rebecca F. Dye. The FMC has slots for five commissioners, but has not been staffed at that level since 2006.
Obama’s nomination of Lidinsky to FMC commissioner was praised by both Democratic and Republican Senators and industry officials.
Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., told the Senate Commerce Committee that Lidinsky ‘actually has experience in maritime’ and ‘we’re lucky to get him.’ Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, said she ‘strongly supports’ his nomination.
‘We are very familiar with the qualities and skills that would be optimal in a commissioner serving this agency,’ said Bruce Carlton, president and chief executive officer of the National Industrial Transportation League, in a letter this week to the committee. ‘We believe Mr. Lidinsky’s distinguished career of over 35 years in the maritime industry makes him an excellent choice to serve on the commission ‘ Mr. Lidinsky’s knowledge of the ocean shipping industry and his vast experience with carriers and shippers will be valuable assets in the commission’s deliberations.’
Members of the Senate Commerce Committee said Lidinsky could be confirmed as early as this week. ‘ Chris Gillis
