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FMC Commissioner William Doyle steps down without explanation

WITHOUT explanation US Federal Maritime Commissioner (FMC) William P. Doyle, a sworn Democrat, is stepping down from the regulatory body in January, leaving the commission open to a presidential appointment of a Republican replacement.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to continue serving in the Trump Administration," said Mr Doyle, reports American Shipper. 



"I thank President Obama for appointing me. I have learned much in this position, and I thank you both for the opportunity to serve the United States of America. I am proud to have worked alongside my fellow commissioners and with such a dedicated and hardworking commission staff," he said.



Ever suspicious of the private sector, the ex-union official spent his early career as an engineer in the US Merchant Marine, sailing in the domestic and international trades for 10 years. 



From 2011 to 2013, he was a union official as the chief of staff for the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA). From 2008 to 2011, Mr Doyle was the Director of Permits, Scheduling and Compliance at the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects.



Mr Doyle received a BS in marine engineering from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and a JD from Widener University School of Law, formerly the Pennsylvania Military Academy.



He was appointed in 2013 by President Obama. He informed President Donald Trump of his decision last week, according to the statement, reported American Shipper.



Absent an immediate replacement, the move will leave the FMC with only three remaining commissioners: Chairman Michael Khouri, and commissioners Rebecca Dye and Daniel Maffei. Former chairman Mario Cordero departed earlier this year to become executive director of the Port of Long Beach. 



In his statement, Doyle pointed to work he did to alleviate problems related to the west coast port labour relations in 2014 and 2015, as well as helping convince China to move its ocean freight-related international tax system from a business tax to a value added tax (VAT) regime. 



He also advocated for more stringent financial safeguards for shippers in the wake of Hanjin Shipping's collapse in mid-2016.
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