Chinese-Polish shipping company Chipolbrok has been granted, with conditions, an exemption from publication requirements by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) in the USA.
HLPFI reported in April 2025 that Chipolbrok had been added to the FMC’s controlled carrier list. After a review of the company’s ownership structure, the maritime body found that the government of China possessed more control over the multipurpose shipping line’s corporate structure and commercial activities than its Polish cohort.
The FMC has placed two conditions on Chipolbrok: the first requiring that Chipolbrok files a statement of justification under 46 U.S.C. § 40704(a) when it looks to lower its rates; and secondly, limiting this exemption to three years, after which Chipolbrok will be required to resubmit a petition for the exemption if it wishes to renew it.
These two conditions placed on Chipolbrok, according to the FMC, ensures that controlled carriers do not charge rates that are below a level that is just and reasonable. It has placed a three-year time limit on Chipolbrok’s exemption given that exemptions under 46 U.S.C. § 40703 are not devised to be permanent.
Chipolbrok filed its petition for this exemption on April 28, 2025, which was then published in the Federal Register on May 9, 2025, with a request for public comment.
