The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has established a 15-day comment period for the public to respond to a recently filed vessel-sharing agreement between Ocean Network Express (ONE), Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), and Yang Ming Marine Transportation (Yang Ming).
The Alliance Agreement between ONE, HMM, and Yang Ming is now in effect.
The Premier Alliance Agreement allows the three ocean common carriers to share vessels, charter or swap vessel space, debate and agree on the size, quantity, and operating features of vessels operated under the agreement, and participate in other relevant activities.
The Premier Alliance Agreement (No. 201435) is available to the public through the Commission’s online Agreement Library.
The FMC stated that “activities conducted under agreements filed with the Commission and in effect are exempt from federal antitrust laws.”
Instructions for submitting comments are included in the Notice of Agreement Filed and Request for Public Comments published in the Federal Register.
The FMC noted that comments will be most beneficial if submitted by 20 November 2024. The comments submitted are confidential and excluded from public publication under 46 CFR 535.608, with exceptions stated.
If the Commission takes no action, the Premier Alliance Agreement will become effective on 12 December 2024.
On 15 July, the FMC announced a delay in the Gemini Cooperation Agreement’s implementation due to insufficient information on its potential competitive impacts.