Bunker Saving Hull Coatings Firm Cleared of Using Anti-Competitive Practices

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Monday May 30, 2016

Sverre M. Knudse, communications director at Norwegian paint and coatings manufacturer Jotun Group (Jotun), Thursday said that the Competition Authority has dropped its investigation of the company for possible breaches of competition law, having found no reason to proceed with the case.

The authority is said to have had Jotun's activities in Norway under examination since February 2014, an audit that is said to have been intended to uncover possible violations of the Competition Act Ā§ 11, specifically pertainingĀ  to the exploitation of a dominant position in the market.

Knudse says that, in parallel to the Competition Authority's audit, Jotun has conducted its own "comprehensive internal review with external advisers," which he notes has not revealed matters to implies breach of competition law.

"Competition Authority now, after thorough investigations, concludes the same, therefore, consistent with our expectation, but nevertheless very gratifying."

Jotun says it is committed to both protecting and promoting free and healthy competition, and is appreciative the matter has now been concluded.

In early May, Ship & Bunker reported that Geir Axel Oftedahl, Business Development Director of Hull Performance Solutions at Jotun, said the growing adoption of hull and propeller performance monitoring is encouraging," but that "more needs to be done."