FMC Renews Ocean Shipping Paperwork Rules
Published Date: 10/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Maritime Commission is renewing its paperwork rules for ocean shipping companies and terminal operators, making it easier and faster to submit reports with a new online system. This update affects those who file forms FMC-150 and FMC-151, with changes reflecting more frequent reporting and less hassle. Comments on these changes are open until December 14, 2026, so speak up if you want to help shape the process!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Monthly Reporting for Global Vessel Sharing Agreements
If you participate in a global vessel sharing agreement, you must now submit monitoring data monthly under Alternative Periodic Reporting (46 CFR 535.703(d)). The notice lists an average of 160 hours per Global Vessel Sharing Agreement response and estimates 60 such responses, totaling 9,600 person-hours annually.
Estimated Time to Complete FMC-150 Reduced
The Commission states it has reduced the estimated time to complete the Information Form (FMC-150) from 75 hours to 3 hours. This change affects parties who must file Form FMC-150 as part of an Agreement filing.
Increased Monitoring of Marine Terminal Operators
The Commission says it has increased monitoring activities for marine terminal operator (MTO) agreements. The notice lists a Marine Terminal Operators Monitoring Report averaging 160 hours per response, with 12 responses estimated (1,920 person-hours total).
Shift from FMC-151 to Individualized Reporting
If you are an ocean common carrier or marine terminal operator that files monitoring reports, the Commission is transitioning from the Monitoring Report Form (FMC-151) to individualized reporting requirements under 46 CFR 535.701(d). The agency says this transition has increased the estimated number of responses and total burden hours for the collection (the Commission estimates 4,365 annual respondents and a total annual burden of 22,347.25 person-hours).
New Electronic Filing Platform (ServiceNow)
The Commission will include agreement filings, required reports, and Forms FMC-150 and FMC-151 within a new electronic platform (ServiceNow) as part of its modernization initiative. Filers will be able to submit agreement filings and reports electronically through that platform.
Service Contracts Voluntary Guidelines Now Counted
The Commission has added the time to file Voluntary Guidelines for service contracts to its burden estimate. The notice lists an average of 0.25 hours per Service Contracts, Voluntary Guidelines filing, with 34 annual responses (8.5 person-hours total).
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