On July 12, 2024, the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) announced that it will not approve the Gemini Cooperation container shipping alliance between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd until both companies provide more information. This is necessary for the Commission to assess the agreement's impact on competition.
Formally, the FMC has initiated a Request for Additional Information procedure. Once the shipping companies submit the requested details, the Commission will have 45 days to evaluate the competitive and legal implications before granting approval. Additionally, after the FMC's request is published in the Federal Register, a 15-day public comment period on the Gemini agreement will commence.
Both companies have stated that they will continue to cooperate with the Commission to provide all required information. Maersk added that this is a fairly standard procedure by the FMC and does not anticipate any negative impacts on Gemini. According to the companies' plans, the alliance is expected to take effect in February 2025.
