EC aid for congestion
In an interesting move that may be followed by others to obtain similar funding, the European Commission has provided ?1.79m of aid for the extra labour required to handle containers as a result of problems posed by congestion and roadworks around the Port of Antwerp.
The aid will be provided to the Belgian state of Flanders, the Antwerp Port Authority and terminal operators. In particular, it will help them meet the costs associated with operating an extra night shift and two weekend shifts needed to properly handle inland vessels in Antwerp.
Practically speaking, terminal operators will have two-thirds of their extra labour and other costs refunded.
Despite this initiative, however, industry sources are questioning whether this is enough to make a significant contribution to solving the problems being experienced.
They additionally point out the aid will only be in place for 2004-2005.
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