The ‘Durban Platform’ may become as commonly known as the Kyoto Protocol, following a loose agreement at this month’s Durban climate change summit on a plan to work towards a global climate strategy. The plan is to agree the strategy by 2015 and for it to start in 2020.
Companies involved in maritime accidents that lead to major oil spills can be liable under EU waste law for the environmental damage caused, according to a preliminary finding at the European Court of Justice.
The French oil company Total has been given the largest-ever fine imposed in Europe for damage caused to the environment. At the end of a long trial, a criminal court in Paris last month found Total guilty of ‘ecological prejudice’ and recklessness over the oil spill from the tanker Erika off the coast of France and Spain in 1999. Total and three other parties were ordered to pay €192 million for the environmental damage caused, after evidence was presented showing they ignored risks in the ageing tanker. Total has said it may appeal, but it might also face claims for more damages.
The EU is allowed to punish ship owners whose ships cause ‘intentional, reckless or seriously negligent’ pollution in EU waters, according to a preliminary opinion from the European Court of Justice.
A group of 10 NGOs, including T&E, has cautiously welcomed a Commission green paper which floats the idea that the shipping industry could be forced to fund an international ship scrapping scheme.
The NGO Platform on Shipbreaking is calling for urgent implementation of the recommendations contained in the European Commission´s (EC) "Green Paper on Better Ship Dismantling", released today.
The EU environment commissioner Stavros Dimas has promised an EU strategy on the environmentally and socially responsible scrapping of ships.
The European Commission has today published an internet questionnaire on its forthcoming marine environment strategy - due this Summer.