Shippers remain optimistic over repeal of liner shipping anti-trust immunity

18 October 2004

The European Shippers’ Council has welcomed to the European Commission’s White Paper on the Review of the liner shipping block exemption which suggests that the Commission will recommend Member States that the exemption from competition rules which allows shipping companies to fix the price for transporting goods be repealed, allowing free market competition between carriers.

The ESC is looking forward to engage in an open and constructive discussion with carriers and the European Commission in the next phase of the review which is looking at making the liner shipping industry compatible with EC competition rules contained in Article 81 of the Treaty. The ESC hopes that this process will bring shippers and carriers closer to their key business through better dialogue.

The Commission has given industry until 15 December to comment on the white paper with a view to drawing up concrete proposals in 2005.

For further information contact: Nicolette van der Jagt, Secretary General of the ESC - Brussels 00 322 230 2113