The European Union is planning to introduce new fines for shipping companies that pollute the water with container cargo, according to a recent report. The new rules will aim to protect the marine environment and reduce the risks of accidents at sea.
Current Legislation Inadequate to Prevent Pollution
Under the current legislation, shipping companies are not held accountable for the environmental damage caused by the loss of containers at sea, as such incidents are considered accidents. They only pay fines in case of spillage of dangerous substances, such as oil or chemicals.
However, this does not take into account the impact of other types of cargo, such as plastic products or small items, that can harm the marine life and ecosystems. According to the report, more than 2,000 marine accidents and incidents are reported every year in the EU waters, resulting in the loss of thousands of containers and tons of cargo.
New Rules to Align with International Standards
The new rules proposed by the European Commission will align the EU legislation with the international standards and conventions, such as the Ballast Water Management Convention and the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks. These conventions require the shipping companies to take measures to prevent and control the pollution from ballast water and sediments, and to remove the wrecks that pose a hazard to navigation or the environment.
The new rules will also extend the port state control to cover these additional requirements, and update the way ships are targeted for inspection. The inspection will take into account the environmental performance and deficiencies of the ships, as well as their safety records. The new rules will also introduce a system of sanctions and penalties for the shipping companies that fail to comply with the environmental standards.
EMSA to Support the Implementation and Enforcement
The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) will play a prominent role in the implementation and enforcement of the new rules, by providing support and training to the national authorities of the Member States. EMSA will also facilitate the information-sharing and cooperation between the flag states and the port states, and monitor the compliance and performance of the ships and the companies.
The new rules are part of a package of legislative proposals to modernise and improve the maritime safety in the EU, and to support clean and modern shipping. The proposals will be discussed and adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, before they become law.
