November 27 2012 saw the visit of Richard A. Lidinsky, Chairman Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to Shanghai International Shipping Institute (SISI).

Mr. Lidinsky was accompanied by Andrew Malandrino, Vice Consul US Consulate General Shanghai. He came to honor a promise of face to face interview with SISI, which had to be canceled earlier because of force majeure Hurricane Sandy. They were received by SISI staff headed by Prof. Zhen Hong, Secretary General SISI.

Prof. Zhen began with a brief introduction of SISI. Mr. Lidinsky responded with great interest since there is no single institution now in the United States that manages to integrate government, industry and academia efforts in the maritime industry. Mr. Lidinsky then explained the main functions, operating mechanism and primary mission of FMC, a special independent regulatory agency in the United States. The two sides later had a candid discussion about issues of mutual interest.

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is the independent federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system for the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and the U.S. consumer. The agency ensures competitive and efficient ocean transportation services for the shipping public, protects the public from financial harm, and contributes to the integrity and security of the U.S. supply chain and transportation system, and administers principal maritime statutes.