The P3 alliance between the world's three largest container carriers, Maersk Line, MSC, and CMA CGM, could be in violation of the EU's competition law, says the Global Shippers Forum (GSF), and the organization has thus reported the alliance to the EU Commission's competition authority.
"The GSF has made a formal legal submission to the European Commission on behalf of shippers from all over the world. The major fear is the market impact that the P3 Agreement would have. If the P3 were to proceed in its current form the structure of container shipping markets serving EU and global trades would be fundamentally changed, including the possibility of eliminating effective competition,” GSF Secretary General Chris Welsh says in a press release.
Global Shippers Forum represents thousands of shippers worldwide, including companies such as Walmart and Tesco.
According to the GSF, the scope of the P3 alliance is so extensive that it could result in illegal arrangements concerning prices and capacity.
At the organization's third annual meeting in Los Angeles, the GSF once again appealed to the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and the EU Commission's Competition Authority to introduce so-called "appropriate steps" to ensure that the P3 alliance does not distort competition.
"GSF has told Vice-President Almunia, that in view of the lack of competition law enforcement in the container shipping sector in other parts of the world, industry is dependent on the Directorate General to enforce EU competition law for the benefit not only of EU trade but also that of its trading partners in the world’s main markets,” says Chris Welsh.
“Shippers are rightly concerned that the carriers in the P3 will be able to eliminate effective competition in key European markets, including Europe/Far East and the transatlantic."
Electrolux: Alliances will benefit customers like us
Commissioner of the US Federal Maritime Commission, William Boyle, was also present at the meeting, where he - according to the GSF - expressed his understanding of the concerns voiced by the shippers.
According to Lloyd's List, the result of the US Federal Maritime Commission's review of the P3 alliance are expected ready this Friday.
But even if the P3 alliance is approved in the United States, the Chinese maritime authority still has to green-light the the alliance before the three carriers can launch their fleet collaboration later this year.
The competing G6 alliance is also awaiting approval from the FMC.
Drewry: EU will accept bigger alliances
FMC Chairman: Industry seeks consolidation
More from ShippingWatch
DNB warns banks not to repeat grave mistake during upturn in shipping
Shipping banks have previously made a classic mistake during a market upturn, essentially causing an acceleration of the subsequent downturn. In an interview with ShippingWatch, maritime bank major DNB warns against repeating it.
Oil service firm loses nearly USD 60 million in three months
Norway's PGS still suffers under the Covid-19-stricken oil market, delivering yet another financial report with enormous red figures on the bottom line. The deficit is smaller than in Q3 2020, however, when PGS lost more than a quarter billion dollars.
IKEA sustainability manager: Green solutions should not cost more
As a starting point, furniture giant Ikea won't accept that green solutions become more expensive than polluting solutions, says Elisabeth Munck af Rosenschöld, Global Sustainability Manager for Supply Chain Operations, to ShippingWatch. Ikea is part of an alliance of global companies that calls for green shipping by 2040.
APM Terminals and Chinese ZPMC enter strategic alliance on maritime automation
APM Terminals has entered a collaboration with ZPMC, which will develop and supply a strategically important automation of APM Terminals' equipment worldwide. The alliance will ensure a long-term collaboration on the development of cranes and other port equipment.
Aker Offshore Wind takes "key strides" in third quarter
Money keeps leaking from the company, which on the other hand reports that its portfolio of opportunities and projects has grown and matured.
.jpg)
Operational Sales Coordinator 
Commercial Operations - Stena Bulk 
Senior Accountant to Finance & Accounting 
Legal Counsel for an international shipping company 
Coordinator / Marine Operator / Operations 
Re-posting: Do you want to help set the agenda for the maritime competencies of the future? 
Operations Executive 
Shipping & Logistics Coordinator – Seafood 
Senior Sales Director Naval - Terma 
Chief Business Officer for Cruise