Tag: maritime

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) last week agreed to establish an expert group to prepare a feasibility study on market-based instruments to cut greenhouse gas emissions from ships.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the United Nations shipping agency, on Friday (17 July) agreed to voluntary proposals aimed at cutting carbon emissions, but environmental groups said it fell short of what was needed.

The European Parliament yesterday (5 May) adopted a new directive that forces EU countries to introduce criminal penalties for maritime pollution, whether caused deliberately or by negligence.

EU fisheries ministers yesterday asked the Commission to "kick-start preparations immediately" for widespread reform of the Union's fisheries policy. Meanwhile environmental groups repeated calls for bloc's fleet to be reduced in size.

The Baltic Sea ecosystem could collapse unless states bordering it find common ground on ways to decrease maritime pollution, according to a new report from WWF, which accuses governments of failing to take responsibility for working to improve the situation.

The European Parliament yesterday adopted a new directive setting out guidelines for the protection of the marine environment during its plenary session in Strasbourg. But the new strategy received a lukewarm response from environmental NGOs.

Ministers have adopted a common position on a proposed Marine Strategy Directive, opposing the Parliament on a number of important points. Meanwhile, the Commission is faced with fragmented governance structures and poor coastal surveillance, which hamper its efforts to formulate a common EU maritime policy. 

The Commission will kick-start a public debate in May with a 'Green paper' proposing a comprehensive approach to issues as diverse as fisheries, shipbuilding, tourism, energy, environmental protection and maritime safety.

The Commission is launching consultations for an all-encompassing approach to maritime and coastland policy aimed at developing sustainable economic activity. Sectors concerned include fisheries, tourism, energy and transport.