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Port Services Storm Predicted
01 Apr 2005
London law firm Lawrence Graham has called on the shipping industry to make its views on the EU's proposed directive on market access to port services heard in Brussels.
Writing in a recent issue of the firm's newsletter 'Shipping Lawgram', partner Christopher Tite says, 'The old saying "Any port in a storm'' is looking hollow. Over the next year or so, Europe's ports may be the worst place to be, whatever the weather. The EU's proposed directive on market access to port services has whipped up a storm that looks to wreak widespread damage on the industry. If the directive is implemented in anything like its present shape, Europe's ports will be hit hard. Port authorities, terminal operators, shipowners and operators need to make themselves heard in Brussels now.'
Tite goes on to warn that the UK government looks likely to push the directive through during its upcoming presidency of the EU. He adds that the directive is badly conceived and reveals a poor understanding of the way the port industry works.
'Put simply, says Tite, 'the draft directive says that if you have invested in port infrastructure which you use to handle cargo or passengers, you will have to compete for the future right to use it. Even if you win that right, you might have to share use with others.
And in any event, your right will be subject to a time limit according to the type of investment you have made.'
Lawrence Graham has over 270 lawyers offering commercially based legal solutions through its four practice areas; business and finance, real estate, dispute resolution, and tax & private capital. It is associated with law firms in several European countries and has links with firms in the USA and other jurisdictions worldwide.
MJ Information No: 20522
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