Maersk and Rivals Tweak Space-Sharing Pacts
Published Date: 6/24/2026
Notice
Summary
Big shipping companies like Maersk, Hapag Lloyd, MSC, and Zim are updating their teamwork agreements to improve how they share space and routes between the U.S., South America, India, and the Caribbean. These changes kick in between late July and early August 2026 and could affect shipping schedules and costs. If you’re interested, you’ve got about a week or two to send your thoughts to the Federal Maritime Commission.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Slot rules change on East–South trade
Maersk A/S and Hapag Lloyd AG filed an amendment that adds a new structural slot provision, revises governance and arbitration clauses, updates contacts, and restates their East Coast North America to West Coast South America and Caribbean cooperative agreement. The amendment is proposed to take effect on 2026-08-01 and could affect shipping schedules and costs for businesses that use this route.
MSC/ZIM adds India, drops Taiwan
Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. and Zim Integrated Shipping Services filed an amendment that deletes Taiwan from and adds India to the geographic scope of their cooperative working agreement. The amendment is proposed to take effect on 2026-07-30 and could affect shipping schedules and costs for parties shipping to or from those regions.
Space charter authorized for Colombia, Panama
Maersk A/S and Hapag Lloyd AG filed an agreement authorizing the chartering of space between ports on the U.S. East Coast and ports in Colombia and Panama. The space charter is proposed to take effect on 2026-08-01 and could affect shipping schedules and costs for shippers on that trade lane.
Short public comment window available
The Federal Maritime Commission asks interested parties to submit comments, information, or documents by email or mail; comments are most helpful if received within 12 days of this notice and the Commission requests comments within 7 days for agreements asking expedited review. Contact and submission details are provided in the notice.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12136 — Notice of Agreements Filed
The Federal Maritime Commission announced updates to two shipping agreements that affect workers and shipping companies. One changes how employee benefit costs are calculated, and the other expands shipping routes to include the Dominican Republic. People interested have about a week or two to share their thoughts before these changes take effect in June and July 2026.
2026-11932 — Global Kings Logistics/Kamordeen, Complainant v. Mediterranean Shipping Company (USA) Inc., Respondent; Notice of Filing of Complaint and Assignment
Global Kings Logistics is officially complaining that Mediterranean Shipping Company messed up their invoices by mixing charges and leaving out important details. This affects businesses relying on clear shipping bills and could lead to changes in how invoices are handled. The case kicks off now, with decisions expected by mid-2027, so keep an eye on your shipping paperwork!
2026-10996 — Inflation Adjustment of Civil Monetary Penalties
The Federal Maritime Commission won’t raise civil penalty amounts in 2026 because the usual inflation data wasn’t available. This means businesses and individuals under FMC rules will see the same penalty limits as in 2025. The rule kicks in on June 2, 2026, keeping things steady for now.
2026-10670 — Down Quark Systems, LLC and SunnySide Digital, Inc., Complainants v. Zim American Integrated Shipping Services Co., LLC; Zim Integrated Shipping Services, Ltd.; and Port of Houston Authority of Harris County, Texas, Respondents; Notice of Filing of Complaint and Assignment
Down Quark Systems and SunnySide Digital are taking on Zim Shipping and the Port of Houston, claiming unfair fees for holding their containers too long. This fight could change how shipping charges work at the Houston port and might save businesses money stuck with surprise fees. Keep an eye out—this case is just getting started and could shake up shipping rules soon!
2026-10477 — Renewal of Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Requested; Containerized Freight Statistics-Imports and Exports; 3072-0074
The Federal Maritime Commission is asking to keep collecting info on container ship imports and exports, but with some updates. Shipping companies and related businesses should take note and can share their thoughts by June 26, 2026. This helps the government keep track of trade without adding extra hassle or costs.
2026-09667 — Solicitation for Applications To Serve as Members on the National Shipper Advisory Committee
The Federal Maritime Commission is looking for new members to join the National Shipper Advisory Committee, which helps improve fairness and reliability in ocean shipping. If you have experience with importing or exporting goods by sea, you can apply by May 28, 2026. This is a great chance to influence important shipping policies that affect businesses across the U.S.
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