FMC: Big Three did not 'jump the gun'

The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has clarified its reason for rejecting a merger of NYK, MOL and K Line's boxship operations last week.

It said the deal could not be approved on jurisdictional grounds because it did not have the authority to assess what constituted a merger.

Some media reports claimed that the owners' desire to share information before the official launch next year also caused the decision as it was seen as "jumping the gun."