Tanker Companies Investigated for Possible Cartel Activities
The European Commission (EC) has stated that unannounced inspections were carried out at the premises of a number of operators of deep sea maritime tanker services in several European Economic Area (EEA) countries. EEA countries include the 15 European Union states, plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The purpose of the inspections was to ascertain whether there is evidence of a cartel agreement and related illegal practices.
Stolt Nielsen Probed for Trade Embargo Allegations
Stolt Nielsen has reported that it is cooperating with a U.S. probe for alleged business dealings with Sudan and Iran. Stolt Nielsen Transportation Group (SNTG) is being probed by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s office for payment of incidental port expenses to entities in Sudan. According to the Wall Street Journal, which initially revealed the U.S. probe on May 20, records and legal documents show that ships owned by Stolt Nielsen or a joint venture were used for trade with Cuba, Sudan and Iran despite a U.S. trade blacklist. The U.S. attorney’s office in Connecticut has also launched an investigation regarding Stolt Nielsen’s trade practices.
