The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) put a very interesting document online: the annual overview of marine casualties and incidents.
Trasmediterránea is only one of the companies belonging to the well-performing Acciona Group. In its 9M report, Acciona says that the Trasmediterránea EBITDA fell to €40 million, due to an increase in fuel costs derived from higher oil prices. The revenues were rather flat, with -2%.
In the period from January till September more passengers (+1.3%), more freight (+2.9%) and more cars (+5.6%) have been transported.
Recently Acciona reached an agreement to sell its 92.7% stake in Trasmediterranea to the Naviera Armas Group, something which is planned for 2018, Q1.
High VAT harms competitiveness of Greek coastal shipping
Greek online media Ekathimerini writes that, when comparing Greece with other EU countries, the VAT rate on ferry tickets is one of the highest. The article is based on a study titled “The Contribution of Passenger Shipping to the Greek Economy” which has been published by the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE). The authors believe that the reduction of VAT on ferry tickets would give the Greek islands an economic boost without provoking a negative fiscal impact.
Photo © Mike Louagie
British Ports Association’s CEO, Richard Ballantyne, urged the UK Government and the EU to find a creative and sensible Brexit solution to the challenges facing ferry ports and operators in the logistics sector.
Mr Ballantyne was speaking at the British Ports Association’s Annual Conference in Poole (October 17-20) where Brexit would be a key topic on the agenda.
He said that, “Whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, it is vital that freight and passengers continue to pass smoothly through our ports.”
Mr Ballantyne also looks at the positive side of a post Brexit era: “A number of UK ports are looking at opportunities such as new trade, and initiatives like free trade zones.”
Photo © Mike Louagie