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Internal market - Free access to ocean trade

The free provision of services (regulation 4055/86) in the maritime transport sector ensures that users of those services, i.e. logistic operators, sea passengers and, ultimately, the final consumer, have a better choice of services and that those services are offered at good prices. Moreover, the European Commission works actively in support of quality shipping in the EU and all over the world. Safety, security, environmental protection and working conditions of seafarers are at the core of the EU action in this field.

Freedom to provide services

Regulation (EEC) No 4055/86 gives Member State nationals (and non-EU shipping companies using ships registered in a Member State and controlled by Member State nationals) the right to carry passengers or goods by sea between any port of a Member State and any port or off-shore installation of another Member State or of a non-EU country.

Unfair pricing in maritime transport

Regulation (EEC) No 4057/86 enables the EU to apply compensatory duties in order to protect shipowners in Member States from unfair pricing practices on the part of non-EU shipowners. The Regulation defines the injury that can be taken into consideration, e.g. a reduction in the shipowner's market share or profits or in employment.

Free access to ocean trades

Regulation (EEC) No 4058/86 applies when action by a non-EU country or by its agents restricts free access to the transport of liner cargoes, bulk cargoes or other cargoes by shipping companies of Member States or by ships registered in a Member State, except where such action is taken in conformity with the UN Liner Code. The Regulation defines the expressions "home trader" and "cross-trader".

Related documents

Legislation

Council Regulation (EEC) No 4055/86 of 22 December 1986 applying the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport between Member States and between Member States and third countries

Council Regulation (EEC) No 4057/86 of 22 December 1986 on unfair pricing practices in maritime transport

Council Regulation (EEC) No 4058/86 of 22 December 1986 concerning coordinated action to safeguard free access to cargoes in ocean trades

Council Regulation No 3577/92/EEC of 7 December 1992 applying the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport within Member States (maritime cabotage)

Summaries of legislation

Freedom to supply services, competition, unfair pricing practices and free access to ocean trade

Freedom to provide services within the Member States (ocean trade)

Last update: 06/12/2012 | Contact us | Sitemap | Top