The third maritime safety package: a synopsis

The first and second maritime safety packages (Erika I and Erika II)* were intended as strong statements that the EU would no longer tolerate sub-standard shipping. They were, in essence, reactions to issues already known, and glaringly highlighted following the Erika and the Prestige incidents. Indeed, the Prestige incident happened as the Erika I package was waiting to enter into force. The Erika I and Erika II packages, among other things, increased and improved port state control; set in motion the phasing out of single-hull tankers, and established the European Maritime Safety Agency.

Alex Mizzi, LLM (Maritime Law), LLD SJ Berwin, Brussels

Even then, however, there remained a number of key issues which needed to be addressed, especially if the EU was to manifest its unequivocal intolerance of sub-standard shipping by all players in the sector, once and for all.