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US Federal Maritime Commission approves THE Alliance

US Federal Maritime Commission approves THE Alliance
The US’ Federal Maritime Commission has given regulatory approval for THE Alliance.

The Commission voted for the agreement to become effective following what it described as a “period of substantive and constructive discussion with the parties”.

THE Alliance comprising Hapag-Lloyd (and United Arab Shipping Co once their merger is completed), NYK, K Line, Mitsui OSK Lines and Yang Ming is due to come into operation in April next year.

“I am very cognizant of the concerns industry stakeholders had regarding provisions in this agreement, particularly those related to information sharing and joint procurement," said FMC chairman Mario Cordero.

"This office will continue to carefully focus on the impacts of the carrier alliance restructuring that is taking place in the shipping industry.”

There has been growing concern from shippers over the scale and scope of the major alliances in container shipping. The Ocean Alliance comprising CMA CGM, Cosco, Evergreen and OOCL is also scheduled to start operations in April next year.

THE Alliance covers 31 services with over 240 containerships deployed.