Blust to step down as FMC chairman

Blust to step down as FMC chairman    Steven R. Blust, chairman of the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission, said Thursday he will leave his post shortly after his replacement has been confirmed by the Senate.
   Blust has served as FMC chairman since August 2002. His term expires June 30. According to a release from the FMC, Blust intends to return to the maritime industry.
   Blust is credited with leading the FMC to develop non-vessel-common carrier service arrangements, or NSAs. NSAs allow NVOs to negotiate confidential service arrangements with shippers, much like vessel operators under the 1998 Ocean Shipping Reform Act.
   Blust also assisted the U.S. Department of Transportation with developing the 2004 bilateral maritime agreement between the United States and China. In addition, he promoted openness and improved communications with the ocean shipping industry.
   “I believe that we at the FMC have helped contribute to the success of the international maritime industry by fostering fairness and efficiency in the U.S. maritime commerce,” Blust said in a statement.