22/02/2019 (Agence Europe) – The European Commission approved on Friday 22 February the extension to new types of vessels of a scheme supporting the maritime transport sector. Through this amended regime, certain shipping companies registered in the Danish International Register of Shipping and employing seafarers on certain types of ships may benefit from an exemption from income tax for their seafarers. The European Commission has considered that this measure, in force for a period of ten years, is compatible with the Guidelines on State aid to maritime transport in that it will contribute to the competitiveness of the EU maritime transport sector, while boosting employment and ensuring a level playing field in this market sector. The vessels concerned are those identified in the national tonnage tax scheme approved last October by the Commission (see EUROPE 12116). (LT)