German seaports in Europe

摘要

Klaus Heitmann, who retired as managing director of German seaports association ZDS some weeks ago, presents a strategic position on European ports policies. On the national level updating of the port concept »Nationales Hafenkonzept« and a federal transport infrastructure plan called »Bundesverkehrswegeplan 2015« are pending. At EU level, taken the adopted concessions directive, discussion concentrates on the future of a draft for port regulation issued by the European Commission, and a project to establish aids and grants guidelines for seaports. In all of these cases, much is at stake, which is also true to the development opportunities of German seaports. If the concerns of the association are taken into account, good and competitive conditions are to be expected for the next the years. If not, a difficult general framework for seaports will be added to business cycles. However, the prospects are good that there will be a positive general set-up, Heitmann forecasts. In incorporating such a general set-up, ZDS and the whole German ports industry trust in Uwe Beckmeyer, the new German maritime coordinator of the federal government.