FMC DROPS PROCEEDING AGAINST HASCO

FMC DROPS PROCEEDING AGAINST HASCO    The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission agreed to drop an investigation into the initial ocean common carrier claims made by Shanghai Hai Hua Shipping Co. (HASCO) and its eligibility to enter into an agreement with Sinotrans Container Lines.
   The FMC’s Bureau of Enforcement said HASCO did not operate any vessels in the U.S. foreign trade. HASCO only planned to time-subcharter a vessel from Sinolines under an agreement filed with the agency. Under these conditions, HASCO could neither be considered an ocean common carrier nor eligible for agency-approved agreements under the 1984 Shipping Act.
   On Feb. 10, Sinolines filed a notice to terminate the agreement and HASCO filed a petition to dismiss the FMC’s proceeding. HASCO also terminated its tariff with the tariff publisher and “did not at any time book or carry cargo in the U.S. trades.”
   “This agreement has now been withdrawn by the parties, rendering the issues in this proceeding moot,” the FMC said.