Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean received $18 million fine for cartel conduct

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean AS, a Norwegian-based global shipping company, was fined A$24 million ($18.2 million) for cartel actions relating to the transport of vehicles, including cars, trucks and buses.

In August 2019, the company was charged with cartel behavior and pleaded guilty in June 2020 before the Federal Court.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics and a number of other major shipping companies have joined forces since at least July 2009 in an arrangement that reduces or distorts competition.

The agreement ended in September 2012, when the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) and the Department of Justice of the United States took action (DOJ).

An inquiry into the actions of WWO and the other shipping companies was subsequently conducted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) pleaded guilty to illegal cartel activity on July 18, 2016 and was convicted on 3 August 2017 and fined $25 million.

On April 5, 2018, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd (K-Line) pleaded guilty to illegal cartel activity and was convicted on August 2, 2019, and fined $34.5 million.

Maritime Business World