On 6 October, FEPORT submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s consultation on the revision of the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER). This review is a key opportunity to modernise the State aid framework and align it with the strategic role of ports in Europe’s economy, resilience and green transition.
The current GBER recognises only basic port infrastructure (such as quays and dredging) but explicitly excludes superstructures and terminal equipment. FEPORT underlined that this gap creates legal uncertainty and leaves ports as the only transport mode without a dedicated State aid framework covering essential operational assets.
In its submission, FEPORT stressed that extending GBER’s scope to include port superstructures is crucial to support EU policy priorities:
- Energy transition – zero and low emission handling equipment and onshore power supply;
- TEN-T completion – cranes, automation and intermodal transfer platforms;
- Digitalisation – terminal operating systems and cybersecurity;
- Resilience and dual-use capacity – heavy-lift equipment and secure storage for military mobility.
Investments in these areas often entail high costs and uncertain returns, making public support indispensable. A broader GBER would reduce administrative delays, ensure a level playing field, and accelerate deployment of projects that are critical for Europe’s competitiveness and sustainability.
Contributing to the GBER consultation was both timely and strategic. With the EU Port Strategy under preparation, it is essential to provide policymakers with clear evidence on the need for a modernised State aid framework that supports ports’ evolving responsibilities. FEPORT reiterated that competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability depend on a regulatory framework that enables private terminal operators to invest confidently in the future.
To read the full contribution, click here.
