Readout of Secretary Buttigieg’s Meeting with Ocean Carriers

^{_{Today, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg convened a meeting with ocean carriers to discuss concerns regarding supply chain disruptions, including those stemming from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the resulting vessel diversions; potential interruptions of service; and the cost of shipping. During the meeting, Secretary Buttigieg thanked ocean carriers for their partnership in mitigating supply chain disruptions following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore and made clear that the Biden-Harris Administration expects companies to follow through on their commitments to return their business back to normal levels at the Port of Baltimore following its full re-opening in June. Industry leaders participating in the call thanked the Secretary for the Administration’s coordination during the suspension of traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore and for his support of the Maritime Security Program for U.S. Flag vessels. They also provided updates on vessel diversions around the Red Sea, challenges stemming from drought conditions with the Panama Canal, and how the U.S. Department of Transportation’s FLOW initiative can inform their decision-making when faced with congestion at ports.}}