About: maritime safety
Commission adopts new rules in wake of Costa Concordia disaster
The European Commission has adopted a series of legal proposals aimed at simplifying and modifying the security framework for passenger boats in EU waters. EURACTIV Spain reports.
EU requests data over Venice Cruise ships
The European Commission is awaiting information from the Italian authorities on recent incidents involving giant cruise ships in the Venice Lagoon sailing dangerously close to the shore, a practice that led in January 2012 to the maritime disaster of the Costa Concordia. EURACTIV Italy reports.
Ministers approve maritime safety laws
Justice and home affairs ministers last week rubberstamped six legislative proposals of the EU's third maritime safety package, which aims to reduce maritime accidents and pollution in Europe.
Commission promotes clean, efficient shipping
The European Commission this week announced a series of measures aimed at greening the maritime transport sector to boost its global competitiveness.
Maritime Safety
Following oil slicks that devastated European coasts in the past decade, the Commission is taking further action to improve maritime safety by preventing accidents and pollution and better controlling their effects. Its proposals also seek to enhance passenger and crew safety against the risks of accidents and terrorist attacks.
Parliament deplores national resistance to sea-safety rules
A package of legislative measures aimed at protecting Europe from maritime accidents and pollution looks likely to face a special 'last chance' conciliation procedure as the European Parliament yesterday (24 September) refused to give in to national governments' attempts to water down the new rules.
MEPs slam member states’ inaction on sea safety
The European Parliament is heading for a clash with member states after it pushed through new rules on flag-state compliance and the civil liability of shipowners, despite opposition from governments.
EU states agree to cabotage, backtrack on sea safety
EU transport ministers have rejected Commission proposals to tighten the bloc's protection against maritime pollution. But they came closer to a deal on the controversial opening up of haulage and coach services to increased competition.
Cracks appear in EU maritime safety strategy
While international efforts to clean up shipping made significant progress last week with a compromise on cutting air pollution from ships, a meeting of European transport ministers today (7 April) could see EU ambitions to tackle maritime pollution scaled down.
EU to update law criminalising pollution at sea
The Commission has tabled a revised version of an EU directive imposing criminal sanctions in cases of maritime pollution. The original proposal had to be modified following a European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling last year.
Erika oil-slick trial sets ‘ecological prejudice’ precedent
In a landmark decision that could set a legal precedent, the French energy giant Total and three other parties have been charged for their role in the sinking of the Erika ship, which caused a major oil spill in 1999.Member states and MEPs head for troubled waters over maritime safety
A vote in the Transport Council on planned rules for beefing-up shipping standards and preventing accidents at sea saw member states confirm their opposition to Parliament's stance on issues such as ship inspections and assistance for vessels in distress.
Maximum fines requested in Erika oil-slick trial
Prosecutors have requested maximum fines for French oil company Total and imprisonment for the manager and the owner of the Erika tanker, for their role in the sinking of the Erika ship, which caused a major oil spill, devastating the French coast in 1999.MEPs stand firm on stricter ship-safety rules
Parliament has approved measures to increase safety at sea in hope of averting similar disasters to those caused by the sinking of the Erika and Prestige oil tankers. Member states now want more flexibility for ship inspections and dealing with vessels in distress.