Ocean Network Express (ONE) will pay a US$1.7 million civil penalty to avoid a formal investigation by the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) for allegedly violating the interpretive rule on detention and demurrage.

The agreement was reached prior to the FMC initiating formal enforcement action against the carrier. In addition to the monetary penalty, ONE will either refund or waive the contested detention and demurrage fees to shippers involved in the private case.

Moreover, the FMC reached a settlement agreement with Wan Hai Lines agreed to pay $950,000 in civil penalties for failing to observe and enforce just and reasonable practices regarding its charges related to empty container returns.

In addition to the penalty, Wan Hai refunded the impacted shippers all detention charges collected under the invoices at issue and has implemented corrective actions to prevent future violations and ensure compliance with the Commission’s Interpretive Rule on Detention and Demurrage.