Audible response
Proposal for a new Pilot Act
Changes to the Pilotage Act will distort competition The Danish Maritime Authority has prepared an analysis of the Danish pilotage market and a draft amendment to the Pilotage Act. Danish Ports are skeptical of the proposal, which may lead to further distortion of competition in relation to other modes of transport and leave some ports in the lurch. Danish Ports supports the aim of streamlining the pilot schemes. Efficient, accessible and cheap pilotage is necessary. However, when the state introduces compulsory pilotage for environmental and navigational safety reasons, it must also be obvious that the service must be available on reasonable terms. Danish Ports believes that the bill
- Leading to reduced service at the vast majority of ports. Reductions in the time ships have to expect in connection with port calls and price increases. Of Denmark's 85 public and private ports, 75 of the ports will have reduced security of supply, resulting in much poorer service. In addition, the vast majority of ports can expect higher prices. When the state requires pilotage for environmental reasons, the state must also ensure that pilotage is available on reasonable terms.
- Gives increased access for the state to set requirements and obligations, while at the same time relinquishing more of the obligation. The state should be the guarantor of security of supply.
- As a consequence of the access given to Danpilot to optimize service and perform other ship-related services should also give ports the same opportunities to compete on the same reasonable terms, which requires changes to the Port Act.
Read the full Ports Denmark consultation response here. See appendices to the consultation response here.