CADE decided for the extension of the partnership agreement between Maersk and MSC for shipping containers

In the hearing session of this Wednesday (9 December), the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) unconditionally cleared the extension of a partnership agreement signed between the shipping companies Maersk Line and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company.

The agreement, named Vessel Sharing Agreement (VSA), aims at continuing the joint operation of a regular line for weekly international shipping of containers from South America east coast to the Gulf of Mexico and the United States. The agreement also foresees the space share for allocating containers in the vessel of each partner.

Last October, the General Superintendence of CADE decided for the unconditional clearance of the transaction. However, the port terminal qualified as a third party in the case submitted an appeal against the decision. Thus, the case was submitted for the assessment of CADE's Tribunal.

This Wednesday, the Tribunal concluded that the issues submitted by the appellant do not result in concerns for free competition in the market. Therefore, the Tribunal dismissed the appeal and unanimously decided to maintain the Superintendence opinion for the unconditional clearance of the transaction.

Access the Administrative Proceedings 08700.002724/2020-64.