On Thursday 27 September, the European Commission invited interested parties to share their observations on the exemption from competition rules enjoyed by shipping consortia.
This specific situation is governed by the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation (Regulation 906/2009). To an extent, this regulation allows shipping lines with a combined market share of below 30% to enter into cooperation agreements to provide joint cargo transport services.
The aim in particular is to increase productivity in the sector, which may be to the benefit of users. Hence an exemption from the rules on anti-competitive agreements, as governed by article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
With the current regulations set to expire on 25 April 2020, the Commission is calling on all stakeholders, particularly shipping companies, their clients and port operators, to share their comments as to the impact and relevance of this legal framework. This will help the Commission to determine whether a prolongation of this regulation is appropriate and, if so, under what conditions.
Interested persons and entities have until 20 December to submit their opinions. The document can be consulted at: https://bit.ly/2zA97jY. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)