ZETA.- Laura DiBella, a Commissioner with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), reiterated concerns over what she described as China’s use of port state control inspections as a tool of pressure against Panama-flagged vessels.
DiBella said the inspections, which she characterized as retaliatory, have continued at levels far exceeding historical norms and show no signs of decreasing. According to the commissioner, the actions appear to be aimed at punishing Panama following the country’s Supreme Court decision to invalidate the concession previously held by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison to operate the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals on the Pacific and Atlantic sides of the Panama Canal.
“Panama-flagged ships carry a meaningful share of U.S. trade,” DiBella stated, warning that what she described as unwarranted vessel detentions could have significant commercial and strategic consequences for U.S. maritime transportation.
She also cautioned that allowing such practices to continue without response could set a negative precedent for global supply chains. “The world cannot simply normalize these ongoing detentions,” she said, emphasizing that preventing this outcome is a priority.
DiBella noted that the laws administered by the Federal Maritime Commission authorize the agency to investigate whether foreign government regulations or practices create unfavorable conditions for shipping in U.S. foreign trade.
In that context, she said an investigation into activities occurring at Chinese ports could lead to the implementation of remedial measures, including potential actions affecting Chinese-controlled carriers operating in trade with the United States.
The commissioner clarified that the views and comments expressed in her statement are her own and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Federal Maritime Commission.
