PONL clarifies position on SAECS

INFORMATION THAT P&O Nedlloyd will withdraw from the SA – Europe Container Service is not correct, according to a UK-based spokesperson for PONL, who quotes the following text on its website: “In order to get EC clearance Maersk and Royal P&O Nedlloyd have committed to divest the business of Royal P&O Nedlloyd on the trade between Europe and South Africa if the offer is completed. Maersk will maintain its existing business on the trade between Europe and South Africa. “Further, if the offer is completed, Royal P&O Nedlloyd will withdraw from some conferences and consortia, notably on the trades between Europe and Africa, Australia, New Zealand, North America and Central America. These withdrawals will take effect at the expiration of the relevant notice periods. Maersk will remain in the conferences and in the consortia of which it is a member.” Maersk SA MD Flemming Dalgaard explains: “P&O Nedlloyd is not withdrawing from the SAECS consortium because if they withdraw they obviously cannot sell their 30% stake in SAECS. “The consortium will continue with PONL as a member until it has sold its share and there will then be a new name. There have been several interested parties but no final purchaser yet.”