The New Zealand Shippers’ Council welcomes the regulatory certainty and competition oversight of international shipping that the passing of the Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Bill will deliver for exporters and importers.
The Bill protects against anti-competitive behavior amongst international shipping lines while also including a targeted block exemption for specified international shipping line activities, which the Shippers Council has lobbied strongly for.
NZSC Chairman Mike Knowles said that the Council was a long time advocate for the Bill but had concerns that increased competition oversight had the potential to threaten the vessel sharing arrangements and other co-operative agreements that are the cornerstone of international shipping services in New Zealand.
“Explicit recognition within the Cartels Bill of co-operative arrangements between international shipping lines, such as the co-ordination of shipping schedules, has been critical for our members,” said Mr Knowles. “We are delighted that the Bill, now finally passed, directly responds to our concerns by providing protection from anti–competitive behavior without dismantling those practices that are vital to the smooth and efficient operation of the shipping industry.”
“We congratulate the Minister for finally getting this important legislation across the line,” said Mr Knowles.
For further comment:
Mike Knowles
Chairman, NZ Shippers Council
Mike Knowles,
Chair New Zealand Shippers’ Council Telephone: 021 515 423
