The Guidelines on state aid to maritime transport provide for the possibility that ship management companies qualify for tonnage tax or other tax arrangements for shipping companies.

The guidelines adopted today provide guidance regarding the conditions under which ship management companies may benefit from such favourable regimes.

The guidelines on state aid to ship management companies are applicable as of 14 October 2009.

The State Aid Guidelines can be consulted on the Authority's website.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Marianne Clayton
Competition and State Aid Directorate
tel. (+32)(0)2 286 18 23

Brussels, 14 October 2009