Evergreen is considering the replacement of the British flag for the Singapore one if a proposed tonnage tax is adopted, signalling the possibility of other lines doing the same.
The Taiwan shipping giant opposes proposals to tax the UK inland haulage part of the Asia-to-Europe run separately rather than allowing its cost to be billed as a door-to-door all-in rate.
The UK tax proposal is on hold pending a European Commission review of all member-state tonnage taxes to ensure they are in line with rules governing restrictions on state subsidies to industry.
Taiwan Group chairman Chang Yung-fa gave notice of his intentions recently during a visit to London in an exclusive interview with Lloyd's List.
The loss of one of the Red Ensign's most loyal supporters, would be a devastating blow to the country's status as a leading shipping nation, said the prestigious shipping daily. London's position as a one of the world's top maritime centres for professional services such as banking and insurance would also be damaged, it said.
He warned that the Evergreen ships already registered in the UK could also leave, with Singapore being the preferred flag suggested.
Evergreen deploys 11 British-flagged containerships, the biggest being 7,000 TEU with two others at 8,500 TEU ships registered in Germany but entered into the UK tonnage tax system.
|
