Denmark's shipping giant reportedly operates against Tanzanian law

The Maersk Group, a shipping giant based in Copenhagen of Denmark, has been holding the lion's share of a Tanzanian clearing and forwarding firm contrary to Tanzania's shipping law, reported Monday's Daily News newspaper.

The group holds over 90 percent of stakes of Tanzania's Quick Save Clearing and Forwarding company and its local partner holds the remaining minority, said the report.

The Tanzanian shipping law stipulates that a shipping line is not supposed to run or own shares in a shipping agency or marine clearing and forwarding firms, aiming to facilitate fair competition.

The Shipping Agency 2002 Regulations stated that every shipping agent shall not engage in clearing and forwarding of cargo business and represent only the shipping line.

However, Daily News quoted Jonathan New, managing director of the Maersk Tanzania Limited, as saying that the company was conducting clean business in accordance with the law of the land.

"All our business activities are known by the (Tanzania) Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority," said the managing director.

Source: Xinhua