News / New competition laws could consign 'the golden age' of Hong Kong port to history

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Hong Kong’s status as a leading global container port and transhipment hub could come under renewed threat from new competition laws in 2016.

Although interpretation of the Hong Kong Competition Ordinance is not yet certain, its antitrust regulations could mean the vessel sharing agreements (VSAs) that form the basis of the container shipping alliance structure would, effectively, be illegal.

Carriers could face heavy fines of up to 10% of their Hong Kong turnover from up to three years.

While the new Hong Kong ...