KOCH TO HEAD NEW OCEAN CARRIER LOBBYING GROUP
Twenty-six shipping lines have chosen former Federal Maritime Commission chairman and Sea-Land Service executive Chris Koch to head a new Washington, D.C.-based lobbying organization.
Aside from the standard political issues, such as antitrust immunity, port dredging, U.S. Customs Service issues, and general trade issues, the group will launch a public relations campaign on the importance of ocean shipping as it relates to the U.S. economy.
“It is important that people understand what we do, ” said Tim Rhein, chairman of American President Lines.
“We want to make sure that the policy makers in Washington and consumers throughout the U.S. understand how critical shipping is to the U.S. economy,” said Olav Rakkenes, president of Atlantic Container Line.
“The shipping industry provides a critical connection between the United States and the rest of the world, and it is important that Americans understand the contributions and innovations that the industry makes in support of American trade,” Koch said.
The organization — yet unnamed — is expected to begin operations in Washington in October.