Shipper group calls on Singapore to drop block exemption for liner shipping

Participation of east-west carriers in four large alliances is “cause for concern,” according to John Lu, chairman of the Singapore National Shippers’ Council.    John Lu, chairman of the Singapore National Shippers’ Council, called for Singapore to drop its block exemption order for liner shipping agreements.
   Speaking at the SNSC’s annual meeting this week, Lu noted, “Today, all major carriers in the East-West trades are in one of four alliances, a development unprecedented in the liner shipping industry. This is cause for concern for shippers as the liner industry is possibly the only industry which enjoys immunity from prosecution under antitrust laws for collective agreements.”
   The Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore last extended the block exemption for liner shipping agreements in 2010 through the end of this year.
   During the meeting, members elected a new council, and made George Chew their new president. He will replace Lu, who was SNSC chairman from 1997 to 2015. (The group has decided to refer to its leader as president rather than chairman going forward.) Lu will now hold the position of honorary president.