Press release

The European Shippers' Council has welcomed the unanimous adoption, at today's Competitiveness Council, of the Commission's proposal to repeal the exemption from the EC Treaty's ban on restrictive business practices (Article 81) for liner conferences on routes to and from the EU.

The Council's decision to repeal the block exemption of liner conferences vindicates the European Shippers' Councils campaign which started twenty years ago to reform liner shipping markets and to ensure a more competitive market for shippers.

Nicolette van der Jagt, Secretary General of the European Shippers ' Council said: "This is another landmark day for shippers. We should recognise this day as one that symbolises the beginning of a new era of shipper-carrier cooperation; where bridges between the two parties can be rebuilt on firmer footings.

The bridge-building can begin, but there is an obstacle yet to be removed: the ESC does not support a new set of proposals proposed by the European Liner Affairs Association and being considered by the European Commission and Member States. Our rejection of the proposals, which seek special authority for a system of information exchange, is due to the belief that they could result in a system no better, and possibly even worse, than the current conference system they seek to replace. Shippers are fearful that the information exchange proposed, especially when taken as a package, could be abused by those tempted to seek the collusion they have been denied with the repeal of anti-trust immunity regulation for liner conferences".

Nicolette van der Jagt added: "The ESC wishes to offer the lines an opportunity to join shippers on a more pro-active agenda for the future, on the operational, supply chain and service issues that matter most to shippers, that should be at the top of the carrier's agendas also, but on which progress can only take place in an environment free from the risk of collusion and anti-competitive behaviour, and in an atmosphere of trust".

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