CMA CGM rejects Samsung's $186m FMC claim

Colorful stacked shipping containers on a cargo ship traveling at sea, showcasing global trade. Photo: Simon R. Minshall/Pexels

CMA CGM has dismissed $186 million in claims filed by Samsung Electronics against the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), framing the complaint as an attempt to shift responsibility for the tech company’s supply chain challenges onto carriers. In its response submitted this week, the French shipping line denied any widespread violations of the Shipping Act and asserted that Samsung’s difficulties during the pandemic arose from its own failure to adapt to rising import volumes.

The core of the dispute involves Samsung’s claim that CMA CGM violated “store door” bill of lading terms, resulting in excessive demurrage, detention, and rail storage fees. The carrier rejects these allegations, arguing that some fall under a 2023 settlement agreement already reached between the two companies. Others, such as charges for off-dock container yard space, the carrier calls fundamentally unjustifiable. Additionally, CMA CGM points out that Samsung’s complaint lacks precision, as it does not specify container numbers in multiple instances of alleged violations. The carrier also highlights inconsistencies, including cases where a single container was used across different shipments destined for Samsung, making investigations difficult.

This legal exchange signals a drawn-out conflict. An administrative law judge will deliver an initial ruling by September 2027, followed by a final decision from the FMC in March 2028. The case shows ongoing friction in the shipping industry, where carriers and importers have clashed over delays, fee assessments, and liability since the pandemic disrupted global trade.

CMA CGM argues that Samsung’s supply chain issues reflect poor planning rather than carrier negligence. The carrier emphasizes that Samsung’s revenues still expanded during the peak disruptions, implying that the company prioritized sales over strengthening its logistics infrastructure when demand surged.

With no near-term resolution expected, both sides appear committed to a prolonged legal battle.