by Dr Kai-Dieter Classen, LL.M. (Berkeley), Deputy Director of the External Affairs Division of the Hamburg Port Authority*

Shipping policy has embraced the tonnage tax as the main instrument to support national shipping lines.

In some states, it even covers cargo handling activities.

Such broad scope raises questions relating to state aid policy and the avoidance of collateral damage to competition, not to mention the clarity of legal methodology.

* This article represents the author's personal view

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