Alphabiz - Samsung Electronics America Continues Legal Battle Over Shipping Charges

(Photo: Wan Hai Lines website)

[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] SEOUL, May 26— Samsung Electronics’s U.S. subsidiary has filed another complaint against global shipping lines, extending a multi-year legal battle over demurrage and detention charges stemming from pandemic-era port congestion.

According to U.S. Federal Register filings, Samsung Electronics America recently lodged a complaint with the Federal Maritime Commission against Wan Hai Lines, alleging improper imposition of charges and failure to follow dispute resolution procedures. The case has been assigned docket number 26-06.

The dispute centers on fees imposed when containers are not returned on time or remain at ports longer than scheduled. Samsung claims such charges were unfairly passed on during the pandemic, when shipping companies allegedly took advantage of severe port congestion.

Since the passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA) in 2022, Samsung has actively pursued legal action through the Federal Maritime Commission against multiple carriers, including HMM and others. In one earlier case against ZIM Integrated Shipping Services, an administrative judge ordered compensation of approximately $3.68 million to Samsung.

The latest filing marks the sixth such complaint by Samsung, highlighting its continued efforts to challenge shipping practices and recover costs amid evolving regulatory oversight.

Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)