The Australian competition watchdog has initiated Federal Court proceedings against Tasmania’s state-owned ports operator, alleging it tried to shut a new pilotage business out of the market in order to protect its near monopoly on the island.
The breaches alleged by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) could each carry a fine in excess of AU$10 million (US$6.9 million), but Tasmanian Ports Corporation (TasPorts) has strenuously denied the allegations and stated it will vigorously defend the matter.
TasPorts owns and/or operates all of the state’s ports but one, Port Latta, in northern Tasmania.
The ACCC claims TasPorts tried to stop a new business, West Australian-based Engage Marine, from edging in on pilotage services.
“In short, our case is that TasPorts sought to maintain its monopoly in towage and pilotage in Tasmania, resulting in higher prices and lower-quality services,” ACCC chairman Rod Sims said.
Featured News
Antitrust Lawsuit Targets RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada
May 14, 2024 by
CPI
Former Sales Pro Admits to Bid Rigging Targeting US Schools
May 13, 2024 by
CPI
Macron Advocates EU Financial Integration Amid Push for Global Competitiveness
May 13, 2024 by
CPI
Microsoft Faces EU Antitrust Charges Over Teams Software
May 13, 2024 by
CPI
EU Antitrust Complaint Filed Against Edwards Lifesciences by Indian Rival Meril
May 13, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Ecosystems
May 9, 2024 by
CPI
Mapping Antitrust onto Digital Ecosystems
May 9, 2024 by
CPI
Ecosystems and Competition Law: A Law and Political Economy Approach
May 9, 2024 by
CPI
Ecosystem Theories of Harm: What is Beyond the Buzzword?
May 9, 2024 by
CPI
Open Ecosystems: Benefits, Challenges, and Implications for Antitrust
May 9, 2024 by
CPI