Brussels, 09/08/2002 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday the European Commission authorised a transaction by which Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation P&O (UK) will acquire full control of P&O Stena Line, the cross-Channel ferry operator which currently is a joint venture between P&O and Stena Line UK Ltd. P&O is involved in maritime shipping and port activities world-wide. In Europe, the company operates passenger and ferry services on the North Sea and the Western Channel. The P&O Stena Line joint venture is the leading ferry operator on the Dover-Calais route. The Commission concluded that the change in control of P&O Stena Line would not lead to the creation of a dominant position for the provision of freight and passenger services between the Continent and the United Kingdom. A press statement stated that the investigation had shown the amount of actual or potential competition on the market and the low barriers to entry. The statement indicated that it would continue to monitor market evolution in order to ensure that prices and trade conditions are in accordance with the European Competition rules.