当前位置：新闻动态
Grimaldi warns of unfair competition by state bailouts of shipping companies
来源： 编辑：编辑部 发布：2020/04/14 09:54:13
ITALIAN shipowner Emanuele Grimaldi is calling on governments not to distort the marketplace by offering financial lifelines to weak container shipping lines to the detriment of those operating in the same trades that are well capitalised.
Otherwise, he may consider lodging antitrust complaints on behalf of operators that are not included in any financial support packages.
State aid for selected companies, some of which may already have been in financial difficulties, "will only lead to very unfair competition", said Mr Grimaldi, reported UK's Lloyd's List.
"If the state intervenes, it has to intervene in a such way that it does not create unfair competition."
As joint managing director of family-owned Grimaldi Group, Mr Grimaldi was commenting after a number of countries pledged support for ferry and shortsea businesses that are struggling as passenger numbers plunge and freight transport is disrupted by widespread lockdowns in Europe.
The Italian government has promised a package of emergency measures to help struggling port operators and shipping companies.
A number of shortsea operators serving the UK have also asked for financial support.
Grimaldi Group, which specialises in the European and transatlantic ro-ro trades, owns a number of regional players including Finnlines, Minoan Lines, Malta Motorways of the Sea, and Atlantic Container Line. Also in the portfolio are Grimaldi Euromed and Grimaldi Deep Sea, which operates pure car and truck carriers.
Any state aid has to be provided in accordance with existing rules, and individual companies should not be singled out for support, he said.
"Whatever is done, has to be done for all, not just for one or two," said Mr Grimaldi who has already been in touch with the Italian government through the country's shipowners association Confitarma to ensure any state support is distributed equitably.
Mr Grimaldi, who is on the boards of the International Chamber of Shipping and the European Community Shipowners' Associations, said he has raised the matter with both organisations.
He also estimates that Grimaldi Group revenue could be down by as much as 15 per cent, equivalent to EUR500 million (US$545.3 million), in the coming months, but notes that this downturn will be offset by much cheaper fuel costs.
Otherwise, he may consider lodging antitrust complaints on behalf of operators that are not included in any financial support packages.
State aid for selected companies, some of which may already have been in financial difficulties, "will only lead to very unfair competition", said Mr Grimaldi, reported UK's Lloyd's List.
"If the state intervenes, it has to intervene in a such way that it does not create unfair competition."
As joint managing director of family-owned Grimaldi Group, Mr Grimaldi was commenting after a number of countries pledged support for ferry and shortsea businesses that are struggling as passenger numbers plunge and freight transport is disrupted by widespread lockdowns in Europe.
The Italian government has promised a package of emergency measures to help struggling port operators and shipping companies.
A number of shortsea operators serving the UK have also asked for financial support.
Grimaldi Group, which specialises in the European and transatlantic ro-ro trades, owns a number of regional players including Finnlines, Minoan Lines, Malta Motorways of the Sea, and Atlantic Container Line. Also in the portfolio are Grimaldi Euromed and Grimaldi Deep Sea, which operates pure car and truck carriers.
Any state aid has to be provided in accordance with existing rules, and individual companies should not be singled out for support, he said.
"Whatever is done, has to be done for all, not just for one or two," said Mr Grimaldi who has already been in touch with the Italian government through the country's shipowners association Confitarma to ensure any state support is distributed equitably.
Mr Grimaldi, who is on the boards of the International Chamber of Shipping and the European Community Shipowners' Associations, said he has raised the matter with both organisations.
He also estimates that Grimaldi Group revenue could be down by as much as 15 per cent, equivalent to EUR500 million (US$545.3 million), in the coming months, but notes that this downturn will be offset by much cheaper fuel costs.