EU Mandates Ships to Provide Insurance Information When Passing By

The European Commission has recently made a significant amendment to the Vessel Monitoring Directive (2022/59/EC) in order to improve maritime safety and environmental protection along the EU’s coastlines. This new measure now mandates that all vessels, even those simply passing through EU waters without entering a port, must provide insurance information. This requirement ensures that all vessels operating in the region are properly insured, strengthening the EU’s ability to monitor and investigate maritime activities.

Magda Kopczyńska, the Director-General for Mobility and Transport, emphasized the importance of this targeted measure in enhancing the preparedness of the EU’s coastal states. By aligning regulations with international standards and addressing challenges related to hazardous cargo and geopolitical tensions, the EU is demonstrating its commitment to safer, more secure, and environmentally responsible maritime operations. This amendment reflects the EU’s dedication to upholding high standards in maritime safety and environmental protection.

In response to this legislative change, the European Commission and Member States have put forth a proposal to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for a minor amendment to several existing Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems (MRS) in and around European coastal states. This initiative aims to further enhance monitoring and safety measures in the region, aligning with the EU’s broader efforts to promote sustainable and secure maritime activities.

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