Global Watchdogs Keeping Closer Eye on Carrier Alliances

The maritime regulatory authorities of the European Union, People’s Republic of China and the United States during a summit in Brussels all stated that monitoring the ever growing shipping alliances warrants closer contact. Including better communication between competition and regulatory authorities. 

The regulatory authorities met in Brussels to discuss antitrust and regulatory issues in maritime transport, which included a special focus on the liner shipping market. The delegates confirmed their renewed intention to cooperate on these matters.

The priority of the discussions focus was on the global trend towards increased cooperation in the liner shipping market, as well as on regulatory and policy issues related to ports.

The party’s delegates also discussed their respective enforcement activities and highlighted each authority’s priority issues such as port congestion.

The summit concluded with the following joint statement by the European Commission, the Federal Maritime Commission and the Chinese Ministry of Transport: “Today’s exchanges have been a valuable opportunity to foster cooperation between our three authorities. We have identified areas of common importance and we look forward to continuing our constructive dialogue.”

Being the second official meeting, being hosted by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Competition between the three authorities, following the first maritime regulatory summit that took place in Washington in December 2013.