Two Maritime Transport Companies Penalized for Breaching Ocean Shipping Reform Act
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has imposed fines on carriers Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Wan Hai Lines, totaling $2.65 million, for violating the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 through unreasonable pricing practices related to demurrage and empty container returns. ONE agreed to a $1.7 million civil penalty and will issue refunds and waivers to affected shippers for assessing detention charges when no appointments were available for equipment return. On the other hand, Wan Hai Lines consented to a $950,000 fine for failing to maintain reasonable pricing practices around empty container returns and has taken corrective action, refunding all detention charges collected under the disputed invoices.
This action is part of the FMC's increased scrutiny of the shipping industry, with over 280 complaints received since the enactment of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. The commission is sending a clear message to the international shipping community about compliance with U.S. legal obligations, with FMC Chairman Daniel B. Maffei commending the efforts that resulted in "meaningful civil penalties, and relief for impacted shippers." Other carriers, like Hapag-Lloyd and Evergreen Shipping, have also faced penalties and complaints related to their service practices.
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