The association representing coastal shipping in Greece, i.e. the passenger and vehicle ferry boat operators, said “no” to three out of four provisions included in a draft bill that concerns the sector.
The draft bill was recently unveiled by the relevant shipping ministry for public debate and deliberation.
The association (SEEN) called for the removal of draft Article 54, which it charges envisions preferential treatment for municipalities, municipal enterprises or community-based enterprises seeking to enter the coastal shipping sector — something that it says violates Community law on fair competition.
Additionally, the association flatly rejected draft Article 56, which would prevent a vessel’s disembarkation if the managing company owes the crew wages.
SEEN said the provision would amount to a direct intervention by the state in financial differences between two non-state contracting parties, i.e. the vessel’s management and a contracted seaman or crew of seamen.
Finally, the association called for the removal of draft Article 57, saying it is repetitive, given that the issue of cancelling or postponing a vessel’s disembarkation due to weather conditions is stipulated in a 2008 bill already in force.
