The settlement agreement before the tribunal this week states that the commission believes the cartel operated between 1999 and 2012. The commission case against nine international shipping companies was initiated in September 2012. The nine companies include Japanese firms Mitsui OSK Lines, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha; Chilean concern Compañía Sudamericana de Vapores; Norwegian companies Höegh Autoliners and Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics; and South Korean-based Eukor Car Carriers.