EU-Commission raid Maersk offices
SHIPPING: European Commission investigators have begun an inspection of the A.P. Moller - Maersk headquarters in Copenhagen. The purpose of the inspection is, to ascertain whether there is evidence of any infringement of European competition law related to liner shipping.
“We can confirm that, today the European Commission carried out an unannounced inspection in our offices”, says Christian Kledal, head of Group Legal, A.P. Moller - Maersk Group.
Unannounced inspections are a preliminary step in European Commission investigations into suspected infringements of competition rules. However, the fact that the Commission carries out such inspections does not mean that the company has engaged in anti-competitive behaviour nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself.
The Commission has stated that it is interested in possible coordination of prices and/or liner transport capacity to and from the EU or the EEA. Furthermore, the EU Commission is investigating whether there is abuse of dominant position on the market.
“It is our clear opinion that our practices are in compliance with EU competition legislation, and we fully cooperate with the Commission’s employees to investigate the matter thoroughly”, says Kledal. . “For several years we have implemented our compliance programme which includes guidelines and training of employees etc. in order to ensure, to the widest extent possible, that our employees are aware of legislation and how to adhere to it.”
Offices of CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, Hamburg Sud and Neptune Orient Lines have also been raided.
Source: A.P. Moller – Maersk / maritimedanmark.dk
