Shipping conferences - the end of the line?

In brief - The Final Report of the Competition Policy Review has ignored key players' submissions on Part X repeal

The Competition Policy Review Panel's ("the Review Panel") Final Report has effectively ignored the submissions of the Australian Peak Shippers Association and Shipping Australia Limited. Liner operators will, justifiably, be concerned about what this will mean for them in terms of protections and additional costs.

Recommendations of the Final Report of the Competition Policy Review

The Final Report of the Competition Policy Review has recommended:

• A block exemption granted by the ACCC should be available for liner shipping agreements that meet a minimum standard of pro-competitive features (see Recommendation 39). The minimum standard of pro-competitive features to qualify for the block exemption should be determined by the ACCC in consultation with shippers, their representative bodies and the liner shipping industry.