EU Approves Legislation to Strengthen Flag State and Port State Inspections

The European Council and Parliament have reached provisional agreements on legislation aimed at enhancing maritime safety. The agreements focus on improving Flag State and Port State inspections, ensuring consistency and cooperation among organizations responsible for conducting inspections. Belgian deputy prime minister Paul Van Tigchelt stated that the agreements will contribute to safer and cleaner maritime transport in Europe, protecting the marine environment and maintaining high shipping standards through modern tools and enhanced cooperation between authorities.

Negotiators worked to align EU regulations with international rules while also safeguarding the competitiveness of European shipping. The legislation on Flag State inspections aims to ensure member states have the resources to carry out inspections effectively and consistently, with oversight of organizations. The legislation also focuses on digital solutions, harmonized approaches to reporting and data sharing, and a master database.

The agreements also address Port State inspections of foreign ships and introduce a voluntary inspection regime for larger fishing vessels. The legislation aims to harmonize inspection approaches, focusing on the competency of crew, ship conditions, and compliance with international conventions and EU law. The agreements will require further steps for EU endorsement and formal adoption before entering into force, with individual states having 30 months to incorporate the provisions into national legislation. The agreements are part of a broader maritime safety package aimed at modernizing EU rules and reducing water pollution from ships.

Source .