ICS News, July 2010
Tax relief welcomed by UK port companies
 Port-based companies around the UK have been given a reprieve from huge backdated business rates bills imposed by the previous Labour Government.
The new coalition Government has put a stop to the demands and ordered an enquiry into the affair, which led to port-based companies receiving massive bills, some running into millions of pounds. Changes in the way rates are calculated by the Valuation Office Agency sparked the revaluations.
The news was particularly well received by the Liverpool Branch as the demands have already put two Merseyside dock companies out of business. "If these demands had been allowed to continue they would have affected the viability of many firms and thousands of jobs," says the Branch.
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Cutting red tape for ships in Europe
Hopes are that ships entering and departing from European Union ports will no longer be subject to complex, repetitive administrative formalities if a new directive approved by the European Parliament lives up to its aims.
Promising harmonisation and coordination of reporting formalities throughout the EU, the new rules mean that Member States will have to recognise a standard form and set up a shared electronic system for fast and easy exchange of information between ships and ports.
MEPs have also given their backing to new rules on notification by ships before they enter ports and have called on national governments to adopt laws to make relevant data available to other Member States via the national SafeSeaNet systems.
The legislative resolution, drafted by Dirk Sterckx and approved by 640 votes to 20, with 19 abstentions, reflects a first reading agreement with the Council on an update of existing legislation to simplify rules in the EU maritime transport sector.
Member States will have 18 months to transpose the directive into their national law, once the text is formally into force.
The Institute's Tramp & Tanker Agency Committee will monitor the situation closely and will provide updates in due course.
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UK's North-East picks posts
At its recent annual meeting, the North-East UK Branch elected the following officers to serve its Members for the period June 1, 2010 to May 31, 2011:
Chairman: Andrew Dobson (Denholm-Barwil Limited)
Vice-Chairman: Robin Gill (Gill Associates)
Secretary: Mike Crager (GAC Shipping UK Limited)
Treasurer: Stephen Browell (Svitzer Marine Limited)
Education Officer: Harry Harrington (Graypen Limited)
Also, the NE Branch will host the 2010 Controlling Council meeting in the North East of the UK in October this year. In addition to the Controlling Council meeting, the Branch hopes to host a Gala Dinner and a seminar over the two-day gathering.
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Scottish Branch tees off golf event
The Scottish Branch plays host to its annual golf event in September at Tulliallan Golf Club and is inviting all Members and guests to take part.
Lunch will be served at 1200 hrs prior to the start of the Stableford event at 1400 hrs on September 9. The competition will be followed by dinner at 1900 hrs and a prize-giving at 2000 hrs.
Covering 18 holes, the event costs £50 per person. To reserve your place at the event please contact Kenny Petrie on +44 (0) 1324 482811.
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