Rotterdam against extra bureaucracy

Both organisations believes that the move will lead to an increase in unnecessary procedures and delays, with the supervisor required to check ports for a number of features including setting port tariffs and market access.

The proposal forms part of the new port package, which the European Commission published on Thursday (May 23^rd), with the purpose to promote competition in and between ports.  The aim, among other things, is to achieve greater free market forces, more transparency, liberalisation and clarity regarding the financing of ports and the provision of service in ports.

Not surprisingly, the Rotterdam Port of Authority (RPA) believes that among the “good aspects of the European Commission’s proposal” is that which outlines the role of the Port Authority as custodian of the quality and availability of services in the port; promoting the operation of market forces in general and making the government’s role in financing both the infrastructure and the services in the port transparent.