In a bid to strengthen maritime safety and environmental protection, European Union negotiators have reached an informal agreement to impose strict measures to combat pollution caused by ships in European seas. The agreement, encompassing a suite of initiatives to prevent and penalize various forms of pollution, represents an important step towards promoting cleaner and safer maritime environments.
The agreement extends the ban on oil spills from ships to sewage, waste and scrubber residues. This expansion underscores a holistic approach to tackling sources of pollution and underscores the imperative for rigorous regulation to protect marine ecosystems.
To ensure rigorous monitoring and enforcement, the agreement includes provisions to improve the verification of pollution incidents. EU countries and the Commission will work together to strengthen communication on pollution incidents, share best practices and undertake follow-up actions. The agreement notably requires digital verification of high-confidence alerts from the CleanSeaNet satellite system, with the aim of verifying at least 25% of alerts issued by national authorities.
A key aspect of the agreement is the introduction of effective and dissuasive fines for ships that break pollution regulations. By establishing sanctions proportionate to the seriousness of the infringements, the agreement aims to deter illegal discharges and hold ship operators accountable. This emphasis on enforcement underlines the commitment to meeting environmental standards and ensuring a sustainable maritime future.
EP rapporteur Marian-Jean Marinescu stressed the importance of robust enforcement measures to safeguard marine environments. He stressed the need for advanced technologies, such as satellite monitoring and on-site inspections, to effectively combat illegal discharges. The commitment to cleaner seas, increased responsibility and a sustainable maritime future highlights the collective effort to safeguard marine ecosystems and promote responsible maritime practices.
While the preliminary agreement awaits approval by the Council and Parliament, EU countries are expected to transpose the new rules into national law within 30 months. This timetable underlines the commitment to rapid implementation and highlights the urgency of tackling maritime pollution through coordinated regulatory frameworks.
The agreement on the revision of the Ship Pollution Directive is part of the maritime safety package introduced by the Commission in June 2023. This comprehensive package aims to modernize and strengthen EU maritime regulations on safety and pollution prevention, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges in the maritime sector.
Originally published in The European Times.
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