The European Commission has presented five new legislative proposals to modernise EU rules on maritime safety and prevent water pollution from ships.
As informed, the proposals will equip the EU with new tools to support clean and modern shipping. Furthermore, they will align EU rules with international regulations, securing a level-playing field for the sector while improving implementation and enforcement through digitalisation and more EU cooperation.
The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) will work on the implementation of the new requirements through the support it will offer Member States administration to enforce the new rules.
Specifically, the package of proposals includes:
The proposal also updates EMSA’s mandate to better reflect the growing role the Agency plays in many maritime transport areas, including safety, pollution prevention and environmental protection, climate action, security, surveillance and crisis management, and digitalisation – including the new safety and sustainability tasks emanating from this legislative package.
For example, the Commission and the Member States will rely on EMSA’s support when implementing the FuelEU Maritime Regulation and extending the EU Emissions Trading System to maritime transport.
Rules and sanctions on ship-source pollution
The proposals aim to prevent any type of illegal discharges into European seas, which is essential to lower the environmental impact of maritime transport activities and preserve the marine ecosystem. Achieving this requires that illegal discharges are detected, infringements are pursued and perpetrators of illegal activities are sanctioned.
To achieve this, the proposal:
“ Our high maritime safety standards have prevented major accidents in recent years. Yet we must not be complacent. We need to stay on top of new challenges and make best use of latest technologies. Today’s package of proposals reflects latest global developments, ensures Member States are properly equipped to carry out inspections, drawing on EMSA’s expertise, and promotes digitalisation as a mean to increase efficiency and information sharing between administrations ,” Adina Vălean , Commissioner for Transport stated.
As laid out in the EU Green Deal, the Smart and Sustainable Mobility Strategy and the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the EU Commission wants to set shipping on a path towards zero emissions, pollution and accidents.
As part of the Fit for 55 package, the EU has decided to extend the EU ETS to maritime transport, and has adopted the FuelEU Maritime Regulation. Both legislative texts will contribute to the transition to decarbonised shipping. Clean technologies and fuels will also support the sustainability and zero pollution agenda.