The European Commission yesterday published a draft regulation proposing to extend the EU Consortia Block Exemption Regulation by another four years through to April 25 2024, without modification, much to the relief of the liner community.
The regulation allows for vessel sharing arrangements that have a market share up to 30%.
“Vessel sharing arrangements are an established and essential part of the liner shipping networks that carry the international trade of the European Union and the rest of the world,” said John Butler, who heads up liner lobbying group, the World Shipping Council. He added: “Consortia allow carriers to provide their customers with better services at lower cost, with improved environmental performance.”
In addition to the draft regulation, the commission also published a consultation road map, inviting comments on the road map by December 18, 2019, and on the proposed course of action set down in the draft regulation by January 3, 2020.
Following this consultation, the EC may decide to directly adopt or refine its proposal.
