India’s antitrust regulator has ordered an investigation into alleged anti-competitive practices by Maersk and DP World at the terminals they operate in Mumbai, according to Reuters.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is reportedly following up complaints by PSA International.
PSA is said to have reported Maersk and DP World to the CCI for allegedly creating entry barriers to hinder the Singaporean operator’s terminal by colluding on certain charges at the state-owned Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).
Reuters, which claims to have five sources corroborating the story, says PSA issued advisories to deter use of the PSA terminal and told port users they would need to make their own arrangements to transfer cargo if it was dropped at the PSA dock.
What is the shipping industry doing to meet current trade and logistics challenges? Find out with a Port Technology technical paper
Maersk has reportedly told Reuters that it knew the CCI was investigating a case brought by the CCI but that it would not comment further.
DP World told Reuters that it had not received any formal communication from the CCI.
Maersk, DP World and PSA operate four out of Mumbai’s five port terminals, with the fifth being owned by the Indian government.
PSA’s opened in February and is expected to nearly double JNPT’s capacity.
In November 2018, India opened its first inland dry port in the city of Varanasi on the Ganges river, as it makes a concerted effort to open up to the world’s shipping lanes.