Marad chief, FMC nominee confirmed

Stephen Carmel, a licensed ship’s master who has captained tanker vessels, was confirmed as the 21st administrator of the Maritime Administration (Marad).

Carmel was a senior vice president of maritime services at Maersk Line, the Danish company’s (MAERSK-B.CO) U.S. subsidiary which works with the federal Maritime Security Program and military support operations.

Marad had been without an administrator since Adm. Ann Phillips resigned earlier this year. Carmel replaced Navy veteran Brent Sadler, who was President Donald Trump’s initial nominee.

Laura DiBella was also confirmed by the Senate as a Federal Maritime Commissioner for a term expiring June 30, 2028.

The former Secretary of Commerce for Florida had also served as executive director of the Florida Harbor Pilots Association.

One open FMC seat remains after Chairman Louis Sola and Commissioner Carl Bentzel were term-limited earlier this year. Trump has nominated attorney Robert Harvey of Florida, who is awaiting Senate approval.

Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here.

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