Transportation: more competition for maritime transport services
02/07/2008 - 12:27
The European Commission wants a new competitive regime in the maritime sector. Liner companies will have to assess themselves whether their business practices comply with the competition rules. Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes commented: "Given the importance of maritime transport of goods to so many areas of the European economy, I have to make sure that the sector is operating as competitively as possible, keeping prices down and quality of service high. By providing guidance to maritime operators on EU competition rules, these Guidelines mark a significant step towards better enforcement in the maritime sector ". Liner shipping operators are allowed to organise themselves into so-called "conferences" with the aim of fixing prices and coordinating capacity for the transport of containerised cargo only until October 18, 2008. The scope of the procedural antitrust rules to cabotage and tramp shipping services is also extended until October 18, 2008. This means that the Commission now enjoys the same investigation and enforcement powers as regards cabotage and tramp services as in all other economic sectors.
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