The appeals of major shipping lines have been rejected by the Moscow Arbitration Court. The appeals concern a verdict of the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service of Russia (FAS) claiming the carriers violated Russian competition law from 2012 to 2013 when setting surcharges on Russia – Far East services simultaneously and of the same amount.
The process involves Maersk Line, CMA CGM, Hyundai Merchant Marine, Orient Overseas Container Line, and Evergreen Line. The carriers argued the practice of setting surcharges was allowed at the time and any simultaneous increases were coincidental.
A further appeal must be lodged no later than the 7th of October. Without that, the companies will have to pay financial penalties, the severity of which the FAS will determine by year’s end.