Rotterdam, home to Europe’s biggest port, is watching the uncertainty in the UK over Brexit with real concern. The port will employ over 900 new customs officials to deal with the extra checks required, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
Many in the business community are making their fears, spurring politicians on to make sensible policy decisions. "We are very concerned that we will see disruption in the event of a no deal and again delays and so on and congestion. We are concerned and we need clarity," says Annika Hult, Stena Trade Director, North Sea.
Officials expect a 100% increase in export inspections. Ferry operators warn of the end of seamless trade with Britain.
"The fall-back would be a WTO scenario. If there is no deal reached, and what that would mean is that basically that there will be full controls and so on," Hult explains. "Very much similar to trade with other third party countries where there are no other special arrangements," she adds.
Stena Line, which runs four or five ships a day to British ports, is worried about delays to cargoes of fresh produce - fresh food, or even cut flowers. “You should come here just before Valentines Day, it's crazy busy and this is another example why it's so important that there is continuous free flow. Because imagine if the flowers arrive on the 15th of February. That's not very good is it, and we carry a lot of those flowers to make they are delivered on time, the bouquets for the loved ones for Valentine's Day."
Source: euronews.com
