News / Ocean Network Express cleared for April launch as last regulatory barrier is cleared

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South Africa’s competition watchdog has approved the merger of three Japanese container shipping lines, NYK, MOL and K Line, as the Ocean Network Express.

The  tribunal rejected the merger last summer, citing evidence of past collusion between container shipping firms and the prospect of the merger leading to further anti-competitive behaviour.

However, this morning the tribunal reversed its decision after the Japanese firms agreed conditions designed to prevent collusion between their car-carrying and bulk shipping divisions.

“Broadly, the conditions prohibit a cross-pollination of employees and executives between ...