Global Watchdogs to Keep Closer Eye on Carrier Alliances

zoom Monitoring of the ever growing shipping alliances warrants a closer contact and better communication between competition and regulatory authorities, the maritime regulatory authorities of the European Union, the People’s Republic of China and the United States said during a summit in Brussels yesterday. The regulatory authorities met in Brussels to discuss antitrust and regulatory issues in maritime transport, with a special focus on the liner shipping market. The delegates confirmed their renewed intention to cooperate on these matters. The discussions focused on the global trend towards increased cooperation in the liner shipping market, as well as on regulatory and policy issues related to ports. Delegates also discussed their respective enforcement activities and highlighted each authoritys 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: Todays 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. Hosted by the European Commissions Directorate-General for Competition, this was the second official meeting between the three authorities, following the first maritime regulatory summit that took place in Washington in December 2013.