Hapag-Lloyd to pay $2 mil penalty for detention, demurrage rules violation

German carrier Hapag-Lloyd will pay a penalty of $2 million for alleged detention and demurrage fee violations, The US Federal Maritime Commission said June 8.

"To restore full confidence in our ocean freight system, vigorous enforcement of FMC rules is necessary," said FMC Chairman Daniel Maffei in a statement June 8.

"We must ensure powerful ocean carriers obey the Shipping Act when dealing with American importers and exporters," Maffei said.

"The case that was concluded today is just part of an ongoing effort to investigate any conduct alleged to violate FMC rules ... on detention and demurrage charges."

The $2 million penalty will be paid to the US Department of the Treasury, the commission said.

This comes amid a raft of complaints from US-based shippers alleging that ocean carriers and marine terminals have violated detention and demurrage terms.