Polemis calls for continued communication on EU plans

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

30 Nov 2007

The chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, Spyros Polemis, has written to EU Commissioner Borg on the recent European Commission 'Blue Paper' setting out proposals and an Action Plan for an integrated EU maritime policy,.Mr Polemis writes: "ICS and ISF -International Shipping Federation - are encouraged by the emphasis in the Blue Paper given to the importance of international maritime regulation and support for finding solutions to regulatory challenges at international bodies, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO). We welcome the Commission's recognition of the necessity of global rules for a global industry."But he cautions: "We note, however, that the door is left open for possible unilateral EU action, on issues such as classical air emissions, Green House Gases, and ship recycling if IMO proves unable to deliver, in a timely fashion, the 'bankable' solutions which the Commission is seeking. We are working hard to ensure that IMO does indeed successfully deliver global solutions on these issues, so that regional regulatory actions, with their negative impact on the smooth flow of world trade, will be avoided."He adds: "The above notwithstanding, the Blue Paper is relatively short on details, which to a large extent will not be addressed until the Action Plan is taken forward by the relevant Directorates General. In particular, we note that DG TREN intends to issue, in October 2008, a Communication on EU Maritime Transport Policy for the following 10 years. In view of the global character of international shipping, we wish to register the importance of continuing consultation and dialogue with ICS and ISF as this important Communication is developed."The ICS head also warns against protectionism saying: "We also note the launch of the new consultation exercise concerning the concept of what is now called a 'European Space for Maritime Transport without barriers'. Although little real detail is provided, we are pleased that the paper appears to stress that the concept is only meant to be concerned with improving customs and trade facilitation in the context of the single EU market. However, as the concept is developed it will remain important to avoid any measures which - if not now then perhaps at some time in the future - might have potential implications for market access enjoyed by non-EU operators."