The European Commission launches a new initiative to improve port operations and onward transport connections at 319 key seaports along Europe’s coastline.

Around 74% of the goods entering or leaving Europe go by sea, but one fifth of this figure currently passes through just three ports – Rotterdam, Hamburg and Antwerp. The EC notes that this imbalance between port performance results in congestion and extra costs for shippers, transport operators and consumers. It is estimated that the new initiative could save the European economy by up to €10 billion by 20130 and help develop new short sea links.

The Commission is proposing more transparent and open procedures to designate the providers of port services. There will be rules to prevent possible price abuses by operators with exclusive rights and there is also a plan to introduce a port users’ advisory committee.

EU funding under the Connecting Europe Facility will be given a new focus on port projects identified in the TEN-T corridor plans for priority funding and port connections with rail, inland waterways and road.

The proposal will also extend the freedom of ports to levy infrastructure charges and create transparency in the way the charges are set and the use of public funding.

The details outlined in the new plan must now be approved by the European Parliament and Member States before being adopted under normal legislative procedures.