Michael Kouri confirmed as new FMC chairman

The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has confirmed the appointment of Michael Khouri (pictured above) as its new chairman, replacing Mario Cordero after four years at the helm.

Mr Khouri was appointed by US president Donald Trump last month but it was not until yesterday that he presided over his first meeting.

Following a 45-year career in shipping, Mr Khouri was first appointed to the FMC by Barack Obama in 2009, winning back-to-back five-year terms in 2011 and 2016.

He began his career as a crewman for Kentucky-based barge liner Crounse, working his way up the ranks to captain and earning a US Merchant Marine Officer’s Licence in the process.

He went on to serve 23 years with American Commercial Lines, holding executive positions including senior vice president for transportation services – marine operations. This was followed by a stint with MERS/Economy Boat, serving as president and chief commercial officer before joining law firm Pedley & Gordinier.

“I am honoured,” he said. “I want to assure all the commission’s constituents and stakeholders that I am committed to assuring a competitive marketplace for ocean transportation services and the emphasis of the agency will remain to faithfully administer the shipping laws of the United States.”