Europeans must nurture African port relations

Antonio Tajani, vice president of EU Commission and commissioner in charge of transport, raised the prospect of ships avoiding the tumultuous Somalian coast, opting instead to enter the Mediterranean through the Straits of Gibraltar at the entrance to the Mediterranean.

Such a move could hit the fortunes of Western Mediterranean ports, he said.

Mr Tajani also tackled the issue of recession with delegates at the International Association of Ports and Harbours’ conference, stating: “The current economic crisis raises big questions as to the adjustment of our industry, both maritime and ports. I’m convinced that thanks to the EU and the global reaction that this crisis will turnaround in 2010.

“We have to reduce bureaucracy and make maritime transportation competitive to road and rail,” he said.