Time to tighten restrictions on oil tankers

2.49.24pm GMT Wed 13th Dec 2006

Speaking ahead of today's vote in Strasbourg in which MEPs will vote to close a loophole in the rules phasing out single-hull oil tankers, Graham Watson, Liberal Democrat MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, has stressed the importance of EU action in ensuring tight maritime and environmental safety standards.

Commenting from Strasbourg, Graham Watson said:

"Following the Erika and Prestige disasters, the decision back in 2002 to phase out single-hull vessels from operating in EU waters was of course the right one. But more now needs to be done if we are to ensure that similar such disasters don't occur outside our own waters. Given the risks single-hull vessels pose, the loophole which currently allows them to fly the flag of an EU Member State so long as they operate outside EU ports is an inconsistency which we must overcome - it's time to tighten our restrictions on oil tankers."

Explaining his interest in the issue, Graham carried on to say:

"Having in my constituency such a large stretch of coastline and two of the busiest shipping lanes in the world - the English Channel and the Straits of Gibraltar -maritime safety is a particular concern to me."

MEPs vote today on the first reading of a proposal to close a loophole in the 2002 rules on the phasing out of single-hull tankers. Under the existing Regulation, single-hull tankers are allowed to fly the flag of an EU Member State provided they are operating outside EU ports. MEPs look set to approve the proposal to add a clause to the Regulation stating that 'No oil tanker carrying grade oil products shall be allowed to fly the flag of a Member State unless such a tanker is a double-hull tanker.'