The Federal Maritime Commission, America’s shipping regulator, has decided to fine Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) $22.67m for three infringements of the country’s Shipping Act.

The first violation, which occurred during the period of 2018-2020, related to MSC’s billing of customs agents as notify parties for demurrage and detention charges through the merchant clause found in its bills of lading, even though such parties were not involved in moving the cargo.

MSC also stands accused of failing to include in its published tariff from 2021 to 2023 a statement of what such fees were for non-operating reefers.

Investigators also said MSC overcharged its customers demurrage and detention fees for use of its non-operating reefers.