US FMC requests more information on the P3 alliance

FMC commissioners voted to approve a request for more information on the planned alliance of Maersk Line, Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) and CMA CGM).

“This request for additional information delays the effectiveness of the proposed agreement. After the parties have submitted the requested information and documents, a new 45-day regulatory review period will begin,” the FMC said. An additional 15-day public comment period will also be announced once the request for additional information is published in the FMC register next week.

Commenting on the move FMC commissioner William Doyle said: “In addition to my own questions and considerations posed by my fellow Commissioners, I have taken into account comments submitted to the Commission and drafted further questions addressing those filings by stakeholders, including but not limited to the concerns publicly raised by the National Industrial Transportation League, the International Longshoremen’s Association, and the Global Shipper’s Forum.”

"I appreciate the comments submitted to the FMC, including those by consumers, small businesses and ports; it is helpful in meeting our mission as we give due examination to the proposed agreement," he added

The planned P3 alliance came under particular scrutiny from the FMC after announced plans for its global service network prior to make full regulatory filings with the FMC.

In response the FMC called an international regulatory summit with Chinese and European regulators, which is to be held on 17 December.