Approval proposed for Carnival deal.
The ACCC has proposed allowing arrangements between the Port of Brisbane and Carnival Cruise Line that would support the development of a new cruise terminal, but voiced concerns about certain provisions.
An agreement between Port of Brisbane and Carnival Cruise Line would see Carnival pay a fixed yearly amount to the port for 15 years in exchange for preferential berthing rights at the new terminal.
The consumer watchdog acknowledged the commercial benefit of having a foundation customer for the terminal, but highlighted a potential impact on competition that giving Carnival preferential access to the terminal for four days a week may have.
It also emphasised the prospect of Carnival being granted a right of first refusal over a possible second berth at the terminal as a “second, greater concern”.
The ACCC proposed to impose a condition on the authorisation that the Port of Brisbane and Carnival not give effect to these provisions on their agreement.
The final determination is due in Apr.
More in today’s issue of Cruise Weekly.