Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Guy Platten, testified before the U.S. Trade Representative Section 301 Committee in Washington, D.C., USA, regarding concerns around potential unintended consequences that could result from the proposed remedies following the Committee’s investigation into China’s maritime logistics and shipbuilding. The public hearing took place over two days, Monday 24 March and Wednesday 26 March 2025, with over 60 witnesses delivering testimonies in person.

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) supports the goal of strengthening U.S. shipbuilding. A robust, competitive shipbuilding sector benefits global trade, and the international shipping industry wants more choice, not less.

As raised during the hearing by multiple representatives, the proposed fees on Chinese-operated and Chinese-built vessels risk significant unintended consequences. These measures could disrupt supply chains, raise costs for U.S. consumers and exporters, and reduce the global competitiveness of vital U.S. sectors—particularly agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.

Guy Platten stated at the hearing:

“When looking at our sector, the shipping industry is one of the most cost-optimized in the world. The business model is designed to drive down costs, while not compromising on safety standards, so that goods can efficiently flow from and to countries, for the benefit of those countries’ economies and populations…the shipping industry is not like a traditional business, it is unique.”

ICS commented that these proposed measures, as currently constituted, won’t deter Chinese shipbuilding, however they could severely disrupt U.S. maritime supply chains, and threaten the US’ energy, food and economic security, and ultimately cut U.S. businesses off from the very ships they rely on.

During Guy Platten’s testimony he stated:

“These proposed measures could hurt our customers – the American people. They will make vital U.S. exports less competitive globally. This hurts jobs, be that at ports or at farms, and the American shipping industry, the very thing you are trying to encourage.”

At the hearing ICS urged the USTR to explore alternative policies that strengthen American shipbuilding without disrupting trade or harming the very industries these actions aim to support.

ICS offered to work alongside the USTR and the White House to develop practical, future-focused solutions that deliver lasting value for U.S. industry, consumers, and maritime resilience.

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has agreed a deal with Anthony Veder to upgrade the leading gas shipping company’s entire fleet to Inmarsat NexusWave. Purpose built for the specialised transport of gases including petrochemical gases and liquefied natural gas (LNG) and easily identifiable by their ‘Coral’ prefix, Anthony Veder ships operate in both coastal and deep-sea environments, making multi-dimensional high-speed connectivity essential for seamless communications.

As a longstanding Inmarsat Maritime customer and early adopter of Fleet Xpress, launched in 2016, Anthony Veder also played a crucial role in shaping the development of NexusWave through its participation in preliminary discussions and beta testing. The solution is underpinned by a bonded network that brings together GEO, LEO and LTE services for consistent high-speed connectivity, even in traditionally congested areas, with unlimited data and global coverage.

Jos Kooij, Digital Lead – Technology & Support, Anthony Veder, explained: “Our contribution to the development of NexusWave in early concept meetings and beta trials helped to shape a solution that meets the evolving requirements of modern shipping. By combining the best of satellite and terrestrial technology, NexusWave delivers on its promise of connected confidence. We are particularly pleased with its capacity to support cloud-based business applications and advanced operational technology, which have exceeded our expectations.”

Also key to Anthony Veder’s decision to adopt NexusWave across its fleet were crew welfare and cybersecurity imperatives. By providing a fast, home-like onboard internet connection, NexusWave enables compliance with crew welfare regulations and helps companies to attract and retain the best seafaring talent. With secure-by-design infrastructure and traffic encryption as standard, the solution offers enterprise-grade cybersecurity, while segregated crew and business networks add another layer of protection.

Benne Engelen, Chief Information Officer, Anthony Veder, commented: “We chose to roll NexusWave out fleetwide after experiencing a step-change in our simultaneous crew and operational communications during trials. With unparalleled continuity of service and network segregation, both leisure and business applications run as smoothly and securely as they would at home or in the office, helping us to meet our objective of fully connected maritime operations while maintaining a happy and motivated workforce. It fosters our culture of collaboration, really bridging the physical distance as no other product can at this time.”

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) mourns the death of Filipino seafarer Junry Popera and prays for the swift recovery of his injured colleague, Romulo Gollayan, following a deadly anchor chain accident aboard an oil tanker in Indonesia. Popera, a seasoned boat fitter with 15 years of experience, passed away after being struck by a loosened anchor chain while troubleshooting a stuck anchor. Gollayan sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital.

“This is a painful reminder of the dangers faced by our Filipino seafarers—modern-day heroes who brave perilous working conditions to provide for their families and power global trade. Junry was not just a worker—he was a father, a husband, and a dedicated Filipino who sacrificed for his family and our economy. His death and Romulo’s injury must not be ignored—it should be a wake-up call for the Government and the maritime industry to act with urgency and dispatch, such as the full implementation of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, to prevent another life from being lost at sea due to unsafe working conditions,” stated TUCP President and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza (TUCP Party-list) who authored Republic Act No. 11641, which created the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Republic Act No. 12021, which provides for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. full implementation of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, to prevent another life from being lost at sea due to unsafe working conditions,” stated TUCP President and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza (TUCP Party-list) who authored Republic Act No. 11641, which created the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Republic Act No. 12021, which provides for the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.

In light of this preventable tragedy, the country’s largest labor center TUCP calls on the relevant agencies spearheaded by the DMW to ensure the following:

Full investigation and accountability

Immediately conduct a thorough transparent probe to scrutinize full compliance of the vessel’s safety measures and equipment with international standards and to hold those responsible—shipowners, employers, or manning agencies—accountable for any negligence or violation.

Immediate medical care and compensation for the injured

Romulo Gollayan must receive complete medical treatment and rehabilitation. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) must also provide financial assistance, counseling, and reintegration services should he be unable to return to work.

“This tragedy is yet another proof of the urgent need for the strict immediate enforcement of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers for stronger protection and safer work conditions for our seafarers at home and abroad. Filipino seafarers have become the backbone of global shipping, yet their safety and dignity are too often an afterthought. This ends now. The TUCP stands in solidarity with the victims and their families in pursuing justice for Junry, demanding full accountability, and continuing the fight to uphold the safety and dignity of every Filipino seafarer,” underscored Mendoza.