Interferry Members Lead European Ferry Group

On May 21st in Brussels, the European Community Shipowners Associationâs (ECSA) High Level Ferry Group, comprising top executives of Europeâs ferry industry, unanimously elected Mr. Alexander Panagopulos, President and Managing Director of Superfast Ferries, as Chairman of the Group. Mr. Eric ¯stergaard, Director of Scandlines was unanimously elected Vice-Chairman. 

 

In expressing the views of the High Level Ferry Group, Mr Panagopulos emphasised: ãThe purpose of the Group is to actively address issues influencing the Ferry Sector in the EU. Our industry should move towards the creation of a European-wide commercial level-playing-field for all operators. The strict compliance to the highest safety and environmental standards as per international rules is essential. The broader aim will be the promotion of the competitiveness of the ferry industry to the benefit of the consumer, the companies and their employees in the wider European context.ä

 

The Ferry Groupâs agenda at its recent meeting included: taxation, illegal immigration, security, state aid guidelines, labour issues, maritime safety, air emissions, and liberalization of port services.

 

The Interferry Board of Directors played a major role in encouraging ECSA to re-activate the High Level Ferry Group. As a result Interferry has been given formal observer status on the Ferry Group in order to provide liaison with the world-wide ferry industry.

 

The High Level Ferry Group comprises the following member companies 

(* indicating Interferry member): Brittany Ferries, *Color Line AS, Corsica Ferries, DFDS Seaways, Hellenic Mediterranean Lines, *Irish ferries, *P&O Ferries, *Rederi AB Gotland, *Scandlines, *Sea Container Ferries, *Sea France, Silja Line Oy, SociŽtŽ Nationale Maritime Corse-MŽditŽrannŽe, *Stena Line AB, *Superfast Ferries, *TT-Line, Viking Line AB.

 

For further information on contact:

 

Alfons Guinier

Secretary General, ECSA

Tel: +32 2 510 6126 - Fax: +32 2 511 8092 

guinier@ecsa.be ; www.ecsa.be

 

Alexander Panagopulos

President and Managing Director, Superfast Ferries

Tel: +30 210 891 9000 - Fax: +30 210 891 9009