Noumean deal struck

Both shipping companies had been banned from exchanging cargo at the port over recent months – MSC on a new service from Australia and Maersk attempting to reinstate a former P&O Nedlloyd service from New Zealand.

The union claimed the new calls would swamp existing services provided by Sofrana and Pacific Direct Line and ultimately result in higher shipping rates. It also claimed the new services would destabilise an existing port worker accord.

The dispute reached a nasty crescendo with clashes developing between union members and port company employees and the police ultimately had to seize control of the port.

However, the union has since been appeased, with the deals brokered seeing the two shipping companies “respecting” set volumes of import cargo.