Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has completed a compromise agreement with Maersk involving civil penalties totalling USD 1.9 million related to alleged violations of the US Shipping Act.
According to the FMC, the settlement resolves allegations that Maersk assessed detention charges against third parties that had not agreed to be bound by the carrier’s bills of lading, service contracts or tariff terms.
As part of the agreement, Maersk committed to ending the practice and updating its US tariff rules to align with Commission regulations. The revised definition of “merchant” in the carrier’s bills of lading will now be limited to shippers, consignees and parties with a beneficial interest in the cargo, in accordance with FMC regulations.
The carrier also agreed to provide refunds and waivers to affected third parties in addition to the civil penalty payment.
The FMC noted that while Maersk agreed to the settlement and payment, the company did not admit to violating the Shipping Act or Commission regulations.
According to the regulator, all penalty payments are deposited into the US General Fund, with no portion retained by the Federal Maritime Commission.
