SOUTH AMERICA

Operators squabble at Buenos Aires

8 years ago

The Argentinian government’s decision to unify the Port of Buenos Aires’ five box terminals under the single operator in 2019 has caused skirmishes to break out between some of the existing operators.

DP World has made the first move. Its concession covering Terminales Río de la Plata (TRP) is due to expire next year, but the operator is reported to be threatening to pull out all together, blaming unfair competition.

It accuses Maersk Line, Hamburg Süd and APM Terminals, which run Terminal 4, of “conduct and restrictive acts that are against competition”.

DP World has filed a complaint with the National Commission of Competition Defense of Argentina claiming that those operating Terminal 4 have a dominant position within the port and are abusing it.

The crisis dates back to 2016 when Maersk and Hamburg Süd merged, effectively controlling all activities at Terminal 4, where traffic has grown considerably, while throughput at TRP has fallen by 50% over the past two years.