Slow steaming saves fuel and reduces carriers' freight capacity.
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission has started an inquiry into how slower container ship speeds are affecting freight rates and supply chains.
Ocean liners have been reducing their travel times over the past two years to save fuel and lower greenhouse-gas emissions, the agency said today in a Federal Register notice of its inquiry. The practice saves money for the liner companies and can lower freight rates, while shippers of high-value commodities or perishable foods may be hurt by more spoilage when shipping times increase.
The agency is seeking comments from shippers, carriers, ports, terminal operators, environmental groups and governments through April 5.