Brussels, 19 November 2021
After almost a year of interruption, FEPORT, ESPO, ETF and IDC decided to resume their discussions in the framework of the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for ports. The Social Dialogue had been halted because of the Commission’s lack of support and responsiveness on several key topics for the port sector.
Although the Social Partners continued to work on the topic of safety of port workers on board of ships, this issue was discussed at length during the meeting.
The Commission gave a presentation regarding the revision of the port State control Directive (2009/16/EC), as well as the Directive on maritime accident investigation (2009/18/EC). The Commission also reassured the SSDC members that the issue of dock worker safety on board of ships is under active consideration in the context of the overall revision of the investigation of maritime accidents.
The SSDC members also had the opportunity to listen to a Mr Olaf Merk, who presented the ITF/OECD report on Container Port Automation published in October, 2021.
The report mentions that 53 container terminals in the world are automated to a certain degree, representing 4% of global container terminal capacity, but fully automated container terminals do not yet exist.
Most automated systems are deployed in the container yard, few terminals have automated the transport between quay and yard, while no terminal has completely automated quay cranes.
Automated terminals have higher capital costs as automated equipment is more expensive. Increased peak loads and volatility of cargo flows make the case for automation less convincing and flexible arrangements for port labor more appropriate.
Finally, Mr Merk illustrated the following Report recommendations:
- Put more focus on flexible labor arrangements.
- Better identify the costs and benefits of port automation projects.
- Stimulate social dialogue and co-operation between employers and workers on port automation.
- Address social costs of automation.