
UK Chamber CEO, Guy Platten, has delivered a keynote speech to the British Ports Association annual conference in Belfast.
Mr Platten focused on the broad challenges facing the industry, but explained that a system must be found to mediate disputes between shipping companies and port operators over the cost of doing business.
He said: “Shipowners, just like commercial ports, are in business to make money – and expect to negotiate with their suppliers in order to secure a good service at a competitive price. Some UK ports are effective monopolies – and I reveal no confidences when I say that there are concerns that this results in them treating shipowners as captive customers.
Continue reading “Shipowners ‘need protection’ from excessive port charges”