05/01/2005 (Agence Europe) - Awaiting the review of Regulation 4056/86 on maritime agreements, the Commission has published minor changes to the exemption system for shipping consortiums. In the Official Journal of 23 December 2005, it invites third parties to submit their comments on its preliminary first draft amendment of Regulation 823/2000 and plans extending the general exemption for shipping companies by five years.