- European Commission Strengthens Maritime Oversight with Insurance Mandate.
- New EU Directive Requires Vessels Passing Through Waters to Provide Insurance Details
- EU Enhances Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection with New Insurance Rule.
The European Commission reports that it has taken a pivotal step to enhance maritime safety and environmental protection along the EU’s coastlines. The Vessel Monitoring Directive (2022/59/EC) amendment brings a new Delegated Directive that modernises current and future Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems (MRS). The revision requires all ships, even those just transiting EU waters without stopping at an EU port, to submit insurance details.
Strengthening the EU’s Maritime Oversight
By mandating ships plying EU waters to be insured, the EU’s capacity to monitor and, where required, investigate sea activities is considerably enhanced. The requirement serves to address the dangers of uninsured or unsafe ships, enhancing the EU’s dedication to a more environmentally friendly maritime industry.
Magda Kopczyńska Highlights the Impact
Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General for Mobility and Transport, emphasised the importance of this measure: “This is a targeted measure with potentially great impact, enhancing the preparedness of the EU’s coastal States. It reflects the EU’s dedication to safer, more secure, and environmentally responsible maritime operations, aligning its regulations with international standards and tackling the challenges associated with hazardous cargo and geopolitical tensions.”
Proposal to Amend Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems
In response to this legislative amendment, the European Commission and Member States have proposed the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The proposal is for a minor amendment to several existing Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems in and around the European coastal States to accommodate the new insurance requirement.
Background and Legislative Change
The Delegated Directive amends Annex I of Directive 2002/59/EC to mandate all vessels entering reporting zones—those traveling along Member States’ coastlines without calling at ports—to present evidence of insurance. The amendment increases control over uninsured or unsafe ships, serving both safety and environmental objectives while harmonising EU rules with international standards. The action follows increased threats from dangerous cargo and geopolitical tensions.
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Source: European Commission
