The Harbour Group is providing communications, issues management and public affairs support for COSCO Shipping Holdings, a Chinese-state owned enterprise, in its $6.3B takeover of Hong Kong's Orient Overseas, a combination that would result in the world's third biggest container shipping company.

Bulked-up Cosco would rank as the second biggest mover of imports into the US.

COSCO Shipping

THG will especially focus on the areas of national security and antitrust reviews.

It is in line for a $70K monthly retainer. Work began July 19 and runs through Oct. 31. The engagement can be extended by mutual consent.

THG is to coordinate its activities through Paul Hastings LLP, Cosco's legal representation, and report to Paul Hastings or one of his agents.

The agreement stipulates that THG will focus on the commercial, rather than the political aspects of the deal.

According to the pact, Cosco "acknowledges and affirms that THG activities under this agreement will be in furtherance of the bona fide trade or commerce of clients, and are not intended to promote the public or political interest of any foreign government."