MAERSK TO PAY FMC FINE FOR REBATING

   Maersk has agreed to pay a $925,000 fine for allegedly making illegal
rebates to several non-vessel-operating common carriers in the South
American and transpacific trades.
   The Federal Maritime Commission said that its evidence of the carrier’s
rebating activity covers hundreds of shipments from 1996 to 1998. There was
also evidence that Maersk had mislabeled shipments to give some NVOs lower
rates.
   The agency began its investigation of Maersk on April 20. Although
rebating is claimed to be practiced by carriers in non-U.S. trades, it’s
illegal under the former 1984 Shipping Act and the new Ocean Shipping
Reform Act.
   Maersk and the FMC’s Bureau of Enforcement have agreed to settle the
case without further litigation.