Monopolistic Use Of Port Of Agaete By Fred Olsen Has Been Condemned
The Court of Justice of the European Union issued a resolution dismissing the appeal filed by Fred Olsen.
What is it about? In March 2018, the General Court of the European Union considered that Fred Olsen’s exclusive commercial exploitation of Port of Agaete (Gran Canaria) was a state aid, granted by the Government of the Canary.
Fred Olsen and the Government of the Canary Islands argued that the exclusive use does not constitute State aid, since Fred Olsen had to pay port fees.
However, both the General Court and the Court of Justice have rejected this. They pointed out in their judicial decisions that the payment of port taxes does not cover the exclusive use of a public port. The Government of the Canary Islands should have demanded a higher price for an exclusive use.
In the past, both Naviera Armas and Trasmediterranea have tried –in vain—to get access
This ruling should mean the end of the exclusive use of the Port of Agaete by Fred Olsen.