In response to the media reports on the “Hong Kong Seaport Alliance”, the Competition Commission issues the following statement: The Competition Commission is aware that container terminal operators Hongkong International Terminals Limited, Modern Terminals Limited, COSCO-HIT Terminals (Hong Kong) Limited, and Asia Container Terminals Limited have agreed to form the “Hong Kong Seaport Alliance” whereby they will jointly operate and manage the ir 23 berths across 8 terminals at Kwai Tsing, New Territories, Hong Kong.
The Commission has an open investigation into the matter. In particular, the Commission is investigating whether the agreement may constitute a contravention of the First Conduct Rule of the Competition Ordinance by preventing, restricting or distorting competition in Hong Kong. The Commission is carrying out this investigation as a matter of priority. The opening of a formal investigation does not prejudge its outcome.