BREAUX SUPPORTS NOMINATION OF BLUST AS FMC CHAIRMAN

BREAUX SUPPORTS NOMINATION OF BLUST AS FMC CHAIRMAN    U.S. Senate Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee Chairman John B. Breaux, D-La., has voiced approval of President Bush’s nomination of Steven R. Blust as the next Federal Maritime Commission chairman.
   The White House nominated Blust for FMC chairman in January. His confirmation came before the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee Wednesday.
   Breaux said Blust had the “professional credibility and background” to be successful as the next FMC chairman. Blust is “not a political appointee that they just found a place for.”
   Harold J. Creel Jr., current FMC chairman, told the Senate subcommittee that Blust was “extremely qualified” for the job, because he understands the issues before the commission.
   “Many of the functions that I have performed in my career have been subject to the maritime laws and regulations that are administered by the Federal Maritime Commission,” said Blust, who is president and chief executive officer of Tampa Bay International Terminals in Tampa, Fla. “I have extensive experience in the areas of ocean carrier liner trade management, marine terminal management, public port administration, tariff and service contract use and publication, and liner operations.”
   “I believe that my diverse and proven background in the maritime industry will allow me to contribute to the efforts of the Federal Maritime Commission,” he said.
   Prior to Tampa Bay International Terminals, Blust held senior management positions with Lykes Bros. Steamship Co. from 1987 to 1996. He worked for the Jacksonville Port Authority in Florida from 1985 to 1987. Blust is also a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
   Blust emphasized to the Senate subcommittee that the 1998 Ocean Shipping Reform Act “has greatly benefited international trade by allowing shippers and ocean carriers to work more closely together through the use of confidential service contracts to better meet the needs of both parties.”
   He said the FMC must continue to focus on market trends “for indications of disrupting and distorting practices adversely affecting U.S. international trade.” The agency will also work closely with other agencies and the Congress in the war against terrorism.
   “As a regulator of the business in which the FMC’s stakeholders operate and function, my relationship will be one of fairness and impartiality, combined with understanding and support,” Blust said. “I will strive to ensure that the stakeholders are allowed to function free from discriminatory practices, market-distorting activities and, in case of cruise passengers, protection from undue financial risk.”
   Blust’s nomination must now be approved by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and then by the full Senate, which is expected in the coming weeks.