U.S. Maritime Modernization: Policy Driven Changes in Ocean Shipping

In “U.S. Maritime Modernization: Policy Driven Changes in Ocean Shipping”, Joe Lynch and Lauren M. Beagen, the Founder of Squall Strategies and The Maritime Professor, discuss how recent U.S. policies, like OSRA 2022 and strategic efforts to move supply chains from China, are significantly reshaping the ocean shipping industry.

About Lauren Beagen

Lauren M. Beagen is a seasoned maritime attorney and the founder of Squall Strategies, LLC and The Maritime Professor. Ms. Beagen is often called on for her industry expertise by notable trade networks, including features on CNBC and FreightWaves. Ms. Beagen has extensive experience in oceanborne commerce and maritime law, with specific emphasis on maritime transportation, Shipping Act issues, supply chain management, international antitrust law, and port and terminal operations. Notable appointments include work in the federal government as Attorney-Advisor (International Affairs) in the Office of the General Counsel at the Federal Maritime Commission and work at a public port authority as Maritime Project Manager for the Port of Boston at the Massachusetts Port Authority. Ms. Beagen received a Bachelor’s degree in International Political Science and International Studies from Hope College, a Master of Marine Affairs degree from the University of Rhode Island, and a Juris Doctorate from Roger Williams University School of Law. She is an avid sailor and recreational fisherman and holds a US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (50 ton) for Great Lakes and Inland Waters.

About Squall Strategies

Squall Strategies is a maritime consulting and legal solutions company and offers a wide range of consulting services to serve a variety of businesses and clients. Whether you’re a small, local business or a multinational corporation, we can help you reach new levels of success. Squall Strategies is available for advice and consultation on Federal Maritime Commission related matters, advice and consultation on supply chain and ocean freight movement, potential federal regulatory impacts on your business, federal regulatory review and analysis, general Federal Maritime Commission related inquiries, advice and consultation on demurrage, tariff/schedule reviews, and supply chain industry insight.

About The Maritime Professor

The Maritime Professor is an e-learning/educational based company on all things maritime and supply chain – we provide non-legal business coaching, e-content, trainings/webinars, participation in advisory boards, leadership recruitment, and company speaking/education engagements. Interested in learning more about the ocean side of things? Follow The Maritime Professor and sign up for email alerts to be alerted when new courses are released. Or follow along with weekly supply chain industry explanations by subscribing to their podcast, By Land and By Sea – an attorney breaking down the week in supply chain, presented by the Maritime Professorg (https://themaritimeprofessor.buzzsprout.com).

Key Takeaways: U.S. Maritime Modernization: Policy Driven Changes in Ocean Shipping

In “U.S. Maritime Modernization: Policy Driven Changes in Ocean Shipping”, Joe Lynch and Lauren M. Beagen, the Founder of Squall Strategies and The Maritime Professor, discuss the following:
OSRA 2022: Better Rules for Shippers: The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 gave the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) more power to stop unfair charges from ocean carriers, especially for detention and demurrage. It’s all about protecting shippers and making things fairer.
“Decoupling” from China? It’s Complicated: The idea of moving away from China for manufacturing isn’t a simple “breakup.” It’s more about smart diversification, spreading out where we get things to lower risks, rather than cutting ties completely.
Bringing Production Closer to Home: There’s a big push to move manufacturing back to the US or to friendly countries nearby. This means building new factories, finding workers, and using government help to create stronger, more local supply chains.
Maritime Law: The Unsung Hero: Don’t underestimate maritime law! The rules for shipping by sea are super important for how goods move around the world. They keep things fair and stable in global trade.
FMC’s Growing Role in Today’s Market: The FMC isn’t just about old rules anymore. It’s actively watching and reacting to supply chain problems, making sure US interests are protected and competition stays fair in ocean shipping.
Diversify, Don’t Just Ditch: Instead of pulling out of existing supply chains entirely, companies are focusing on diversifying. This means finding multiple places to source from, making supply networks more resilient against unexpected issues.
Politics Meets Business: What It Means for You: Big political goals, like bringing jobs back or reducing reliance on certain countries, directly impact how businesses operate in transportation, logistics, and supply chain. Understanding this connection is key to staying ahead.