92000E1007

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1007/00

by Marjo Matikainen-Kallström (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(31 March 2000)

Subject: Safety in connection with the transport of fuels by sea

The initiative of developing the Union's northern dimension will, if put into practice, increase energy cooperation and trade between Russia and the European Union. It is for example predictable that the transport of oil and other liquid fuels by sea in the Baltic and particularly the Gulf of Finland will increase considerably in the next few years. The Baltic is a shallow and almost landlocked sea area, in which accidents involving tankers at sea could easily cause irreparable destruction.

In the light of the above, how does the Commission propose to improve safety regulations for the transport of polluting materials by sea? Does the Commission intend in future to introduce stricter safety regulations for oil shippers, e.g. regarding the hull design of their vessels?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(19 May 2000)

Following the accident with the oil tanker Erika in December 1999 and the consequent massive pollution of the French western coastline, the Commission adopted on 21 March 2000 a communication to the Parliament and the Council on the safety of seaborne oil transport(1). This lists a number of short and medium term measures aimed at enhancing the prevention of pollution by ships.

The Commission communication is accompanied by three legislative proposals, including a proposal for a regulation by the Parliament and Council on the accelerated phasing-in of double hull or equivalent design standards for single hull oil tankers(2). This legislative proposal aims at applying rapidly in the Community the latest internationally agreed construction standards for oil tankers to provide the highest degree of protection against oil pollution in case of grounding or collision.

(1) COM(2000) 142 final.

(2) COM(2000) 67.