European Commission welcomes IMO tanker decision

European Commission welcomes IMO tanker decision    The European Commission in Brussels has endorsed the International Maritime Organization's decision to accelerate the phase-out of single-hull tankers and ban the carrying of heavy-grade oil in such vessels after April 5, 2005.
   The IMO’s decision “closes the gap between the international regime and the measures already adopted by the European Union,” said Loyola de Palacio, the commission’s vice president in charge of energy and transport. “I am delighted that the European proposals for safety, security and environmental standards will now be established and applied globally.”
   “This decision comes at a critical time, and shows the importance of the Latvian authorities’ action for an inspection of the single-hull tanker 'Geroi Sevastopolya.' This ship is due to sail from Latvia to Singapore through EU waters carrying heavy fuel oil. Were the IMO’s decision in force, or Latvia already a member of the EU, she would not have been able to depart. Thanks to the Latvian government’s action, we will be able to make sure the ship is reasonably safe,” de Palacio said.