The latest incarnation of the proposed EU Port Services Regulation could challenge UK port potential, according to the country’s largest port operator.

In a warning to European Commission regulators, Associated British Ports’ head of public affairs & corporate communications, David Leighton, told Port Strategy that UK ports do not want or need the additional legislation.

“The EU Port Services Regulation will undermine investment in UK ports – that’s the message we’ll be taking to the UK government after the May 7 elections,” he said.

While an exemption to elements of the regulation has been mooted by the UK government, this, stated Mr Leighton, is not enough.

“We’re really facing a serious challenge here; an exemption is only a partial solution,” he said. “My personal view is that the only way to protect the national interest is to get this regulation stopped.”

With its fully privatised port sector, UK stands apart from ports in mainland Europe, the majority of which are in public hands or only partly privatised.

The EC claims the regulation will “protect port operators against legal uncertainties and unfair competition and help attract investors” at 329 key European seaports. The Commission estimates that the Regulation could save the European economy up to €10bn by 2030 and help to develop new short sea links

Source: Port Strategy