16 February 2024 (Lloyd's List) - THE European Union has taken another step this week to align its own legislation with that of international rules, after reaching a political agreement to amend its directive on ship-source pollution.

The European Parliament and the Council have agreed to align Directive 2005/35/EC with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (Marpol), and to extend the scope of the directive to cover more types of polluting substances discharged into the sea, such as sewage and garbage.

The European Commission said in a statement that the new rules would improve transparency by making information available online regarding the pollution offences in European seas and the penalties imposed.

The amendment clarifies the application of administrative penalties to make them more effective.

“For example, the size of the illegal discharge, its impact on the environment or the financial capacity of the responsible entity will be considered when the member states impose penalties,” the commission said.

There will also be stronger tools and platforms for the exchange of information and experience for member state authorities. This would include upgrading CleanSeaNet, the European Maritime Safety Agency’s surveillance and information sharing database for satellite surveillance of ship-source pollution.

“We can only protect European seas and prevent illegal discharges from ships by working together,” said transport commissioner Adina Vălean.

“The revised rules for ship-source pollution make it easier to impose effective penalties that discourage pollution in the future.”

This legislation was presented by the commission last June as part of the maritime safety package, and marks the second review of the legislation.

In 2009, it was revised to add criminal penalties, but with the current revision has removed criminal provisions and has moved them to the new Environmental Crime Directive, which now covers an offence related to unlawful ship-source pollution and criminal penalties for ship-source pollution.

The amendments aim to prevent any type of illegal discharges into European seas, which the commission said was essential to lower the environmental impact of maritime transport activities and preserve the marine ecosystem.

“Achieving this requires that illegal discharges are detected, infringements are pursued and perpetrators of illegal activities are sanctioned,” it said.

Earlier this week the Parliament and Council reached a similar agreement on more closely integrating EU maritime safety legislation with internationally recognised standards.