THE Global Shippers' Forum (GSF), which purports to represent global shipper interests, has questioned the European Commission's competition directorate about the P3 network being set up by Maersk, MSC and CMA CGM.

The GSF, which is in conflict with the European Shippers Council and the Asia Shippers Council over container weigh-ins, has said that "it is aware that the P3 members consider that their global alliance falls outside the [European Union] consortia block exemption and therefore requires a more in-depth assessment".

The GSF, which incorporated itself to become closer to intergovernmental bodies such as UN agencies, said "it is aware that the P3 members consider that their global alliance falls outside the [European Union] consortia block exemption and therefore requires a more in-depth assessment".

GSF secretary-general Chris Welsh said the forum was not opposed to consortia or vessel-sharing agreements.

"However, we need to be convinced and shown that the P3 is pro-competitive and that the efficiencies and cost savings made by P3 will be translated into a competitive marketplace for shippers," he told Lloyd's List.