European Shipping Week kicks off the 2017 Maritime Year

EU Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc has called 2017 to be the “Maritime Year” to raise awareness for the potential and the challenges of maritime sector and to review EU policy on maritime transport. Today’s launch of the European Shipping Week kicks off the 2017 Maritime Year: Until 3 March the Shipping week will gather maritime transport experts in Brussels for a series of events on the key issues facing European and Global shipping.

EU Transport Commissioner Bulc said: “The European Shipping Week gives a perfect start to the 2017 Maritime Year. Over the next months, we will work to a sustainable shipping sector that is also fit for the digital age.  We will also aim to attract new investors and most importantly, more skilled people to this sector. The European Shipping Week will provide very valuable input to the review of the EU’s maritime policy framework and I look forward to contributions from all stakeholders.”

In 2017, the Commission will examine that EU policy on maritime transport supports the sector’s performance and competitiveness in Europe and abroad, its efficiency and its sustainability for the benefit of the EU economy, its people and the environment. This review contributes to Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s priorities. The Commission will also review essential parts of the EU’s maritime safety legislation, adopt new rules on waste handling and disposal in ports, and continue its efforts to promote and facilitate the presence of European shipping in third countries.

Documents overview

Maritime Transport: A Selection of Essential EU Legislation Dealing with Safety and Pollution Prevention

European Maritime Transport Strategy until 2018

Mid-term report on the implementation of its European Maritime Transport Strategy until 2018

2017 EMSA Study on the use of Fuel Cells in Shipping

2016 EMSA Study on the use of ethyl and methyl alcohol as alternative fuels in shipping 

Guidelines for ships in need of assistance

In 2016, the maritime industry awarded the European Commission the “Salvage and Wreck Removal Award 2016” for the EU operational guidelines on places of refuge for handling ships in need of assistance.

Documents relevant for the European Sustainable Shipping Forum (ESSF)

ESSF subgroup Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS)

Acceptability of discharges of scrubber wash water

Final report of the sub-group for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS)

ESSF subgroup LNG as marine fuel

Study on the completion of an EU framework on LNG-fuelled ships and its relevant fuel provision infrastructure

• Lot 1: Analysis and evaluation of identified gaps and of the remaining aspects for completing an EU-wide framework for marine LNG distribution, bunkering and use
• Lot 2: Creating Awareness on LNG Risks and Opportunities
• Lot 3: Analysis of the LNG market development in the EU

Submission MEPC 70/INF.40 about the EU Study on the Completion of an EU Framework on LNG-fuelled Ships

ESSF subgroups MRV Monitoring, Verification and Accreditation

22/11/2016 – Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/2071 – Methods for monitoring carbon dioxide emissions and the rules for monitoring other relevant information

22/11/2016 – Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/2072 – Monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport

04/11/2016 – Implementing Regulation(EU) 2016/1927 – Templates for monitoring plans, emissions reports and documents of compliance pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/757

04/11/2016 – Implementing Regulation(EU) 2016/1928 – Determination of cargo carried for categories of ships other than passenger, ro-ro and container ships pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/757

19/05/2015 – Regulation 2015/757- Monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport, and amending Directive 2009/16/EC

28/06/2016 Final /Progress report final report of the subgroup on recommendations on monitoring rules and methods determination of cargo carried for other ship categories and monitoring templates

28/06/2016 Final /Progress report final report of the subgroup on recommendations on verification issues and accreditation of verifiers process

ESSF subgroup Implementation of the Sulphur Directive

EMSA Sulphur Inspection Guidance

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/253 laying down the rules concerning the sampling and reporting under Council Directive 1999/32/EC as regards the sulphur content of marine fuels

New Sulphur requirements – are you in compliance? (Denmark)

Submission MEPC 68-3-18 Guidelines for on board sampling and the verification of the sulphur content of the fuel oil used on board ships

ESSF subgroup Financing

Green Shipping Guarantee (GSG) programme

The ESSF Financing Final report 2017

ESSF subgroup Port Reception Facilities

Commission Guidelines for the interpretation of Directive 2000/59/EC on port reception facilities for ship generated waste and cargo residues

Guidance for Ship Inspections under the Port Reception Facilities Directive

Technical Recommendations on the Implementation of Directive 2000/59/EC on Port Reception Facilities.

Interim report on recommendations on the principles of Cost Recovery Systems

Report on harmonization of the principles of Cost Recovery Systems

ESSF subgroup Research and Innovation

ESSF Research and Innovation Final Report