FMC chairman makes leap to IICL

FMC chairman makes leap to IICL    Outgoing U.S. Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Steven R. Blust has been picked to serve as the new president for the Institute of International Container Lessors, effective Dec. 1.
   Blust served as FMC chairman for four years. His term effectively ended June 30. However, he agreed to stay on at the agency helm until either President Bush nominated his successor or another opportunity presented itself.
   During his time at the FMC, Blust encouraged an air of openness with the shipping industry. He also:
   * Paved the way for the agency's acceptance of non-vessel-operating common carrier service arrangements.
   * Helped the Transportation Department with drafting a new bilateral maritime agreement with China.
   * Worked with the administration in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to enhance maritime security.
   Blust believes that these experiences, in addition to his 30 years in the maritime sector working for both liner carriers and terminal operators, will assist him in effectively running the IICL.
   'I look forward to working with the IICL members and staff, the container transportation industry, governments, and trade associations worldwide in the pursuit of the IICL goals of providing technical support to the container industry and to increase the awareness of the importance of this great industry to efficient and safe global trade,' Blust said in a statement.
   Blust replaces Henry F. White Jr., who resigned Sept. 15 after nearly seven years at the helm of the IICL, to become executive director and chief operating officer of the American Bar Association. White was also serving on the Department of Homeland Security's Commercial Operations Advisory Committee, or COAC, at the time of his departure.
   IICL's members include Amficon, CAI, Carlisle, Cronos, Flexi-Van, Florens, GE SeaCo, Gold, Interpool, Textainer, Trac, TAL and Triton. The organization is based in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. Blust told Shippers' NewsWire that IICL will also maintain an active presence in Washington.