One third of the additional cost will be borne by the Flemish Region government, one third by the Municipal Port Authority of Antwerp, and the final third by private container handling companies in the Port.

The aid will be applicable for the period 2004-2005 to all EU container inland waterways vessel operators loading or unloading in the Port of Antwerp irrespective of their origin and destination. The expected budgetary allocation is ? 1.8m.

The Commission has examined the scheme and found it compatible with the common market since it will not distort trade between Member States in a way contrary to the common interest.

MJInformation No: 19935