According to the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), total traffic in European ports fell by 14% during the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2008 due to the crisis which affects the car industry, chemical industry, and the production of intermediary goods. In Asia and the United States, the fall has reached 16% and is as high as 22% for container traffic. The traffic of bulk goods (minerals, coal, cereals) has been significantly affected (-30%), while the...