A review from the European Commission is looking to change regulations and improve ports.

The development comes in response to growing demand on Europe's ports. Writing for Port Strategy, Eliza Petritsi, partner at law firm Holman Fenwick Willan, said the review aims to resolve governance problems and sub-optimal ports.

This should improve the current situation, where the variation between the performance of various ports results in congestion.

Another potential change involves unfair competition, with a focus on restrictive practices and public funding. The EU review looks at the transparency of such funding, with concerns over unfair use of public funded ports receiving state aids. Publicly funded ports are more common elsewhere in Europe, whilst the UK has a preference for private operations.

New regulations will require managing bodies to provide transparent accounting when it comes to public funding.

Levies will also be adjusted, with a new independent body established to oversee them. This body will be appointed by each member state and can form part of an existing committee.

The current proposals need to be approved by the European parliament and the member states. If adopted, regulations could come into power by July 2015.