MyCC is seeking public feedback on the application of the Block Exemption Order for Vessel Sharing Agreements.
Legal Framework
Under Section 8(1) of the Competition Act 2010, the MyCC may grant block exemptions for agreements that meet the four criteria outlined in Section 5 of the Competition Act 2010.
Current Status
The existing Block Exemption Order, which came into effect on 7 July 2022, is set to expire on 6 July 2025. The Malaysia Shipowners' Association (MASA) and Shipping Association Malaysia (SAM) have submitted a full application on 5 May 2025.
Consultation Process
Following our preliminary analysis and in accordance with Section 9(b) of the Act, we are conducting a mandatory 30-day public consultation period. The consultation period is running from 27 May 2025 to 25 June 2025.
We invite all stakeholders to submit their feedback. Please refer to the document below for detailed information about the consultation process.
Submit your feedback and input via the designated section or email to [email protected].
Technical Note
Liner shipping services means maritime transportation provided by a liner shipping operator to transport users for the containerisation of goods on regular routes between ports, according to published timetables and sailing dates. This does not include full vessel chartering arrangements such as tanker and bulk vessel services.
Vessel Sharing Agreements means agreements between liner shipping operators to establish operational arrangements for maritime transportation services. Under these agreements, parties may only discuss and agree on arrangements related to sea transportation, including coordinating vessel services and exchanging or chartering vessel space.
The Vessel Sharing Agreements shall not include inland transport services for the carriage of goods provided by logistics providers, forwarders, depot operators, truckers, railroaders, off-dock consolidation facilities, off-dock storage facilities, or warehousing services.