European Commission must create solutions for inland shipping
Brussels, 26th January 2010
Brussels, 26th January 2010 -- "The European Commission must think of solutions for Europe's struggling inland shipping companies, rather than just paying lip service to their problems", Peter Van Dalen, MEP for the European Conservatives and Reformists group and Vice-Chairman of the Transport committee in the European Parliament said today as he opened a debate with the European Commission aimed at addressing the crisis in inland shipping.
Mr Van Dalen said:
"The commission has paid great attention to the many problems that exist but it is time for it to come up with solutions. Many shippers are in serious trouble. Approximately 90 per cent of them cannot meet their payment obligations.
"The European Commission is playing a waiting game and expecting national governments to step in. However, the commission has the Right of Initiative and should bring forward proposals for a package of contingency measures for both the short and long term.
"In the short term we suggest a package for scrapping old ships, to slow down the introduction of new shipping tonnage to the market, and support for early retirement of older shippers. In the longer term the commission should do more to assist with training crews and promoting the industry to younger people."
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