The Commission Guidelines on the Application to Maritime Transport Services of EC Treaty Rules on Restrictive Business Practices

Abstract

18 October 2008 is an important date for liner companies. It marks the end of an era - Council Regulation 4056/86 which exempts liner conferences from EU competition law will cease to apply. With the abolition of that bedrock Regulation, liner companies will need to make a self assessment as to whether their business practices comply with general competition rules. Liner conferences, have been criticised for fixing prices and coordinating carrying capacity. But for the block exemption in Regulation 4056/86, conferences would be in clear breach of EU competition law. This article comments on the implications the new regime will have for shipping companies.

Please note: This is a draft copy and may contain errors.

Keywords: EU maritime law, EU Competition Law, Liner conferences, restrictive practices in shipping