FMC Rules Against Canaveral Port Authority

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued an Order finding that Canaveral Port Authority violated the Shipping Act of 1984 by unreasonably refusing to deal or negotiate with an applicant for a tug franchise at the port. Among other things, the Commission held that, while it is barred from adjudicating a private claim against a port authority that is a state agency, it is empowered to directly enforce the Shipping Act with regard to a state agency. The parties have been directed to submit briefs concerning the appropriate amount of civil penalties. Docket No. 02-0 Source: HK Law