The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has secured a $1.9m civil penalty settlement with Danish container shipping giant Maersk over allegations the carrier improperly billed detention charges to third parties in violation of US shipping regulations.

According to the FMC, the case centred on allegations that Maersk invoiced companies that were not legally responsible for detention fees under the terms of its service contracts and tariff rules.

Detention and demurrage billing practices have become one of the most contentious issues in liner shipping since the pandemic-era supply chain crisis, when congestion and container shortages triggered soaring fees and mounting complaints from cargo owners, truckers and logistics providers.

The FMC said the settlement resolves claims that Maersk pursued charges against parties that had not contracted to assume financial responsibility for the fees.

The regulator did not publicly admit wrongdoing by the carrier as part of the agreement, but said the settlement reinforces obligations under the US Shipping Act governing fair billing practices.

The case forms part of a broader FMC enforcement push targeting carrier detention and demurrage practices in recent years. The commission has increased scrutiny of how container lines apply ancillary charges following reforms introduced under the Ocean Shipping Reform Act.