Document
Regulatory Framework on Port Services
Principles to be used as a basis December 1998
Open markets and free and fair competition between and within ports
Monopoly situations and dominant positions should not be abused and where at all possible be eliminated.
If more operators are impracticable due to limited space (extremely limited cases) there should be competitive tendering within clearly well defined time-scales and procedures.
Market access and self-handling should not be restricted except when objectively justified by safety reasons or lack of space.
In case where there is no effective competition a consultation process including all categories of users could be established to review the pricing policy for the service concerned.
Services should only be paid for when actually used.
There should be no compulsory use of services except for named and agreed safety risk assessed cases. When there is no effective competition, prices must reflect the true costs of the services provided to users. There should be no flag or other discrimination regarding access use and enjoyment of benefits, allocation of berths, loading and unloading facilities etc.
Outmoded labour practices and/or other labour restrictions limiting/preventing free and fair competition and efficiency of port services should be abolished.
For further information contact: Nicolette van der Jagt, Secretary General of the ESC - Brussels 00 322 230 2113
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