FMC Declines to Expedite Appeal Process

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued an Order denying the appeal of Canaveral Port Authority whose earlier motion to stay discovery and expedite its appeal had been denied by the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The FMC has initiated two proceedings against the port authority: one alleging unjust refusal to establish reasonable regulations relating to towing services in the port and another alleging unreasonable refusal to deal or negotiate. The motion related to the first matter, seeking a stay until certain issues related to the second were resolved. The ALJ determined that the port authority was not likely to prevail on the specific issues pending in the second matter. The Commission also denied the request to shorten time for replies from the normal 15 days to two days. Exclusive Tug Arrangements in Port Canaveral, Florida Source: HK Law