“8900” LINES CONFERENCE TO DISSOLVE
The "8900" Lines, a once-potent rate-setting conference for
carriers
between the U.S. and the Mideast and Indian subcontinent, will cease
operation April 30.
The conference’s market share has declined as a result of resignations
by members.
The departure of United Arab Shipping Co. earlier this year reduced the
"8900" roster to three lines — Sea-Land, Maersk and National Shipping Co.
of Saudi Arabia, which have a collective market share of less than 40
percent.
Several conferences have suffered defections in advance of the U.S.
Ocean Shipping Reform Act. The reform act, which takes effect May 1, will
weaken conferences and encourage confidential shipper/carrier service
contracts.
