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WRITTEN QUESTION P-3068/01
by Ian Hudghton (Verts/ALE) to the Commission
(26 October 2001)
Subject: Policy on container hub ports
What is the Commission's policy concerning the development of a container
hub port for Europe?
In particular, does the Commission agree:
- that the development of container megaships will pose acute
environmental and other problems for existing main ports in Europe, and
- that increased dredging costs will pose difficult problems involving
state aid?
Joint answer to Written Questions P-3068/01 and P-3069/01given by Mrs de
Palacio on behalf of the Commission
(28 November 2001)
At present, a number of container hub ports are being operated in Europe.
In order to allow big container vessels, as well as feeder vessels, to
operate satisfactorily and effectively, hub ports have to fulfil a number
of conditions, deep water drought being a key element.
The Commission does not believe that a
central body should decide which port or ports should be hub ports. The
diversity of ports, current and future ones, and requirements of the
market will enable future developments of the already existing hub port
system in Europe which, with changing transport and trade patterns, is
undergoing permanent changes.
The Commission is conscious of the
environmental issues caused by a number of port developments. It believes,
however, that the necessary legal instruments are in place to address
these issues. In case of Natura 2000 protected areas, there is a clear
procedure under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive(1) to ensure that
development affecting these sites are properly evaluated and only proceed
having met certain nature protection requirements.
The Commission is aware of plans to
develop Scapa Flow in Orkney as a hub port for Europe. It believes that
market forces will determine the choice of ports as well as the best
system of hub ports and their links to feeder ports.
State aid grants to dredging activities
are not foreseen within the scope of maritime transport State aid policy.
Even though aid may be granted in a certain number of restricted
circumstances in the form of reduced rates of contributions for the social
protection and of income tax for Community seafarers working on board
dredgers, such aid would normally not be related to the amount of dredging
carried out. It would rather be related to a genuine support for the
employment of Community seafarers, as provided for in the context of the
Commission's more general maritime transport State aid policy. However,
should public authorities wish to grant State aid in support of dredging
activities as such, prior notification to the Commission would be
required. |
