Ferry charge check includes North Sea
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by Karen Miles • The EC has again shown its willingness to move to the defence of hauliers as it extends its investigation of the behaviour of some ferry companies to include North Sea operators.
It is believed the Commission is scrutinising the activity last October of ferry operators Tor Line, Olau Line, Stena Sealink and North Sea Ferries when they imposed freight surcharges on some North Sea routes.
If the Commission finds that they allegedly agreed between them to fix prices they could be fined thousands of pounds.
The move follows the current Commission investigation into the freight surcharge imposed at the same time on cross-Channel routes by P&O European Ferries, Stena Sealink, Sally Line, Brittany Ferries at Roscoff and Truckline.
Although inquiries are still at an early stage on the North Sea routes it appears there is mounting evidence that at least some of the cross-Channel ferry companies have allegedly broken European Community law.
If any ferry operators are found guilty it could leave hauliers free to demand rebates for the surcharge. The Freight Transport Association says if this situation arises it will discuss the issue with the Commission and the ferry companies to work towards a -negotiated settlement" for operators.
The ferry companies have declined to comment except for Stena Sealink, which says it expects a verdict from the Commission by autumn of next year.
The ferry operators have always maintained that increased costs and the devaluation of Sterling meant it was necessary to introduce the surcharge.