01 October 2013
CLECAT calls on Council not to undermine the European authorisation process through leading NSAs!
CLECAT, the Brussels based organisation representing the interests of freight forwarders and logistics service providers, calls on the Council to make real progress on the Safety Directive and the European Railway Agency (ERA) Regulation.
CLECAT believes that the only possible way towards a Single European Railway Area is through ERA acting as a one stop-shop for the vehicle and ERTMS authorisation, and Safety Certification. In line with recent calls from the railway industry, CLECAT rejects alternative approaches, such as the one currently being developed by some Member States which propose NSAs cooperating amongst themselves as “leading NSA”. CLECAT fears that such an approach, that will be discussed in the near future under the Lithuanian Presidency, would undermine the concept of a European authorisation.
30 September 2013
Freight Forwarders' Seek Global Solution on Aviation Emissions
The International and European freight forwarders' associations, FIATA and CLECAT, with its collective membership representing over 164 countries, unite in advocating for a global emissions solution that allows the airfreight market to look forward to a more predictable and sustainable business environment in future. They are hopeful that ICAO's 191 member countries will finally agree, in the coming week, on the details of a global market-based measure during the ICAO General Assembly, which opened in Montreal on September 24, 2013.
Ms Veronique Corduant, Chairwoman of CLECAT's working group on sustainable transport said: "Our associations are hopeful that an overall agreement with the goal of carbon-neutral growth from 2020 can be reached. The environmental challenge of the airline industry is a global challenge. Global issues must be addressed globally and now is the time to do it!"
30 September 2013
CLECAT, ECSA and ECASBA keen to see the port regulation adopted soon
On 30 September 2013 a first discussion will take place in the Transport Committee of the European Parliament on the proposal from the European Commission for a Regulation establishing a framework on market access to port services and financial transparency of ports.Users of port services welcome this proposal and hope for a swift adoption. Ship agents (ECASBA), freight forwarders (CLECAT) and shipowners (ECSA) find it very positive that – at last - a legal basis will be in place with regard to market access and transparency in ports.
24 September 2013
Press Release: Freight Forwarders call on Russia to secure a solution that does not hamper trade
European and international Freight Forwarders associations CLECAT and FIATA call on Russian customs authorities to find a solution to the on-going conflict on the TIR System on the Russian territory. The organisations are concerned on the possible disruption to trade with Russia and other countries concerned by transit through Russian territory and stress on the need for all parties involved to ensure continuity of the TIR system to secure and facilitate trade.
12 September 2013
Press Release: ‘Container Weight Proposal Ineffective’
From September 16th to September 21st the International Maritime Organization will discuss a draft amendment that will make the verification of the weight of every loaded container through a certified process mandatory.The European and international Freight Forwarders associations (FIATA and CLECAT), the European Shippers’ Council (ESC), and the European representation of maritime terminals and stevedores (FEPORT) have considered with interest the proposals which will be up for discussion at the International Maritime Organisation next week (DSC 18).
27 June 2013
CLECAT weighs in on TOC panel debate on container weighing
Marc Huybrechts, President of CLECAT, participated in a Round Table panel debate at the TOC Container Supply Chain Conference in Rotterdam today discussing some major issues that are central to the container weighing and more in particular about who bears the responsibility for weight accuracy of containers.There is general consensus that the inaccuracy of weight declaration in the unit load industry compromises safety and efficiency. The way how to implement changes that are appropriate and proportionate is more controversial. CLECAT is of the opinion that adding further specifications to the existing SOLAS weighing requirements for the transport of containers by sea will lead to a dis-proportionate burden for the industry.
26 June 2013
Partnership between CLECAT and Clean Shipping Index
CLECAT has joined the Clean Shipping Network as a supporting member.
The Clean Shipping Index is a benchmarking tool to evaluate the environmental performance of ships and carriers and is used during procurement of sea transport by a network of large cargo owners and freight forwarders. The Clean Shipping Index covers the major emissions from ships such as CO2, NOx, SOx and also emissions to the sea by waste, on board use of chemicals in antifouling, lubricants, refrigerants and cleaning agents. The database can be accessed through www.cleanshippingindex.com.
24 May 2013
Press Release: CLECAT welcomes new EU proposal on Ports policy as step in the right direction
CLECAT is pleased that the Commission has finally made its policy proposals on Ports public. CLECAT welcomes the publication of the proposal for a Regulation establishing a framework on market access to port services and financial transparency of ports. The legislative proposal is accompanied by a Communication entitled: 'Ports: an engine for growth.'Ms Nicolette van der Jagt, Director General of CLECAT says: "The proposal calls for modernisation of EU ports and financial transparency which is an important step in the right direction."
22 May 2013
CLECAT calls on European Parliament to support proposals for a Single European Railway Area
In anticipation of the debates on the 4th Railway Package taking place in the Transport Committee of the European Parliament next week, CLECAT has briefed MEPs on its position on the Commission proposals. CLECAT calls on the EP not to tackle any of the elements of the Package separately, but to ensure that they will be implemented as a package, to create the real internal market for rail services that will bring greater efficiency and a greater degree of innovation.
16 May 2013
CLECAT urges Commission not to abandon its ambition for a European Single Transport Area
Following statements from the Commission earlier this week, CLECAT calls on Vice-President Siim Kallas to do his utmost to ensure that its policy proposals on cabotage reflect the goals for a European Single Transport Area. Recognising that the political will may not be ready to accept a move to full liberalisation, CLECAT continues to call for a gradual and flexible opening of the road cabotage market which is accompanied by further harmonisation of social legislation and enforcement procedures. The fact that the Commission calls for more time certainly does not mean that its mid- and longer term goals are abandoned; the Commission has clearly said that the current cabotage restrictions go against the spirit of a European Single Market which guarantees the rights of all citizens to work, travel and trade freely.