European Union governments and lawmakers have agreed on a series of proposals to strengthen shipping safety, prevent oil spills and compensate victims of maritime accidents, the French E.U. presidency said on Tuesday (09 Dec).
The package, expected to be approved in a final vote by the European Parliament, clearly defines tougher duties for states under whose flags ships operate and clarifies vessel owners' liability and insurance obligations.
"We managed to reach an agreement with parliament on the maritime package," Dominique Bussereau, the French minister of state for transport, told a news conference.
The rules toughen the ship inspection regime and create "places of refuge" at some ports or bays for ships in distress.
They offer maritime passengers compensation in case of accidents similar to that available to air travelers.
The compensation is up to €287,500 ($370,100) in case of death, or up to €460,000 if the carrier is directly responsible, €15,000 for a lost vehicle and up to €2,585 for lost or damaged luggage.
The measures are dubbed the "Erika III" package after a tanker that sank off the French coast in 1999, spilling its cargo of oil.
The package also makes insurance compulsory—some 5% of E.U. shipping is uninsured.
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