Friends in the real world.

(From Lloyds List)

IT IS with some curiosity that the maritime industry is witnessing the unfolding of a power struggle between European Union commissioners.

In most national administrations, the maritime portfolio is the equivalent of the wooden spoon: a consolation prize, a job one does while waiting for something better to come along,

In the European Commission however, the maritime portfolio is so sought-after that transport commissioner Jacques Barrot and 'maritime' commissioner Joe Borg are currently at daggers drawn ahead of what looks like being a bloody 2006. The teams surrounding the two commissioners are already rubbishing each other's …