Net tightens around single-hull oil tankers

The European Commission last week proposed banning single-hull oil tankers flying the flag of member states from transporting heavy grade oil anywhere in the world.  All single-hull oil tankers carrying heavy grade oil are already banned from EU ports.  But under existing legislation, EU-flagged vessels can legally operate elsewhere, using exemptions contained in the international Marpol convention.  The EU promised in 2003 that it would prevent European vessels from exploiting these exemptions.  See proposal http://register.consilium.eu.int/pdf/en/06/st08/st08010.en06.pdf (ref, COM(2006)111).

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