US IMPACT ON GLOBAL SHIPPING - Navigating Change & Empowering Progress

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) last week met virtually with U.S. Federal Maritime Commissioner Rebecca Dye to discuss emerging issues impacting international shipping, supply chain performance and regulatory reform ahead of her visit to Australia next month.

The discussion offered a rare and engaging insight into the Commissioner's interactions with President Trump, while also highlighting the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission's key priorities. These included implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA), competition oversight, supply chain performance, and the growing use of data to enhance transparency, efficiency, and operational outcomes across global supply chains.

During the meeting, Tom Jensen (General Manager – Freight Policy & Operations, FTA/APSA) and I outlined several challenges facing the Australian freight and trade sectors, including industry advocacy for the repeal of Part X of the Competition and Consumer Act, greater transparency and notice periods for shipping line surcharges, and reforms to container detention practices, particularly for consignments subject to border intervention.
Commissioner Dye is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in global maritime regulation. Throughout her tenure at the FMC, she has led major investigations into port congestion, detention and demurrage practices, cargo movement challenges and supply chain innovation initiatives designed to improve freight efficiency and resilience.

More recently, Commissioner Dye has provided testimony to the U.S. Congress on the future of the maritime sector, highlighting the importance of regulatory oversight, supply chain reform, enforcement activities and technology investment to support international trade.

These themes are highly relevant to Australian shippers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, shipping lines, terminal operators and government agencies as the industry continues to navigate supply chain disruption, digital transformation and increasing scrutiny of shipping market practices.

FTA/APSA is therefore delighted to confirm that Commissioner Dye will present in person at the Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference (Day 1 on Thursday 27 August 2026), providing delegates with a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of the world's leading maritime policymakers.

Conference delegates can expect practical insights into:
  • Global shipping regulatory developments;
  • Lessons from recent U.S. supply chain reforms;
  • Competition and market oversight trends;
  • The growing importance of data-driven decision making; and
  • Future opportunities to improve international supply chain performance
HAVE YOUR SAY

"With a limited number of shipping lines servicing Australia, mainly operating in consortia arrangements, is a stronger regulatory framework, similar to that adopted in the United States, warranted?"

This question will be front and centre during a keynote presentation at the Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference. (Day 1, Thursday 27 Auguist 2026) where delegates will hear directly from Commissioner Dye

If your business relies on efficient international supply chains, this is an event not to miss. 

Event Sponsors

  • Thank you to our event sponsors listed HERE
  • We are delighted to advise that our trade exhibition is officially "SOLD OUT" - refer HERE

Wednesday 26 August 2026

  • APSA Annual General Meeting (Guest speakers: US Federal Maritime Commissioner - Rebecca Dye; AusTrade - Michael Byrne)
  • Welcome Function - "The Bar" at Sydney Common, Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park

Thursday 27 August 2026

  • DAY 1 sessions focus on the global trade outlook, international and coastal shipping, road freight and metropolitan intermodal terminals, shipping and logistics market competition, environmental, social and governance (ESG) best practice.
  • Gala Dinner at NSW Parliament House for a key networking event bringing together leaders and experts from across the sector (MC "Lehmo")
Friday 28 August 2026
  • DAY 2 sessions focus on technology and innovation, airfreight discussing Sydney's two major international airports, biosecurity and border compliance, including the Regional Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (RSPM) for the safe movement of shipping containers.
  • NOTE - Day 2 sessions will attract 6 customs broker CPD points
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