Maher Files Complaint Against N.Y.-N.J. Port Authority

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission said Maher Terminal has filed a compliant against its landlord, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Maher, the port's largest container terminal, claims the port authority has given undue or unreasonable preference or advantage to the neighboring facility run by APM Terminals, part of the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group, the FMC said.

The commission said Maher alleges the port authority's lease grants unduly and unreasonably more favorable lease terms to APM. Maher said it is at a disadvantage in rental per acre, investment requirements, throughput requirements, a first point of rest requirement for automobiles and security deposits.

The FMC said Maher alleges it has sustained injuries and damages amounting to a sum of millions of dollars.

Maher said the FMC has the power to hear the complaint under the Shipping Act of 1984 and has asked the FMC to require the port authority to cease and desist from granting preferences to APM and pay Maher reparations.

The FMC has assigned the proceeding to an administrative law judge. It said an initial decision would be issued by June 11 next year and a final decision by Oct. 9, 2009.

Source:Americanshipper