NEW DISCUSSION AGREEMENT COVERS U.S./BRAZIL AMAZON RIVER PORTS

   Five liner operators have entered into a new discussion agreement
covering the trade between the U.S. East and Gulf coasts and ports along the Amazon River in Brazil.
   The agreement allows the carriers to establish voluntary service
contract guidelines, and also voluntary agreements on rates, ancillary
charges, including surcharges, demurrage charges, and other charges.
   The agreement also allows the parties to set rules governing credit
practices; receipt, handling, storage and delivery of cargo; brokerage and freight forwarder compensation and, the positioning and interchange of containers.
   The agreement also allows the parties to charter spaces on each other’s vessels, and to rationalize services in the trade.
   Agreement members are: Amazon Line Ltd.; APL Co. Pte. Ltd.; American Transport Line; Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd.; and P&O Nedlloyd B.V.