Response to International Branch from European Commission Re- Oil Tanker spillage (AGM Resolution)

 Brussels 25 November 1996
CD/vc A/9280 (96) D 6491

 Dear Mr Heusaff,

 On behalf of Commissioner Bjerregaard, I wish to thank you for your letter of 11 October concerning oil spills from tankers causing severe environmental damage.

 This is also an issue of concen to the Commissioner. It is for the lnternational Maritime Organisation (IMO) to adopt rules about the tecbnieal measures to be taken on ships, including double hulls, in order to prevent such spills. Although the Community is only an observer to this organisation, I can assure you that there is a continuous concerted effort between the Commission and the Member States of the Community to push for tougher rules in this area- Indeed we have succeeded in making the IMO adopt rules which will ensure that, eventually, practically all tankers will be fitted with double hulls. The European Community has, however adopted legislation that will make a strict enfoicement of the rules possible through the Port State Control Directive which is now in force allowing the port States to enforce these rules not only on ships which are registered with them, but also those registered in third countries.

 It is for the Member States to adopt the necessary measures to ensure that marine traffic can be safely routed through narrow straits and approach storage facilities without endangering the environment.

 Yours sincerely,

 Christine Dalby

Response to Internation Branch by U.K.'s Marine Safety Agency

 Dear Mr Heusaff,

 I refer to your letter of 11 October to the Secretary of State for the Environment concerning the carriage of large quantities of oil from tankers.

 With particular reference to double hull tankers, they do offer some protection to the cargo in the event of a low--impact collision. They do not guarantee that no oil will be spilled in all incidents. The Government has participated fully in international agreements that single-hulled oil tankers would be phased out by the year 2024. As approximately 93% of the world's oil tanker fleet are single-hulled, a faster phasing out could restrict, if not halt, the essential movement of tankers to and from our ports. Retrospective modification of tankers to attain a double hull standard is technically difficult and could lead to reduced safety.

 Following the incident involving the Braer, Lord Donaldson acknowledged that double hulls also have a number of disadvantages. They will be less effective in high energy or concentrated collisions and can lead to problems of stability during loading and unloading.

 A number of measures affect the routes that laden tankers may take around the UK. These include Areas to be avoided, precautionary areas such as the approaches to Lerwick, deep water routes and traffic separation schemes.

 The use of pilots is a matter you may wish to take up with the Department of Transport in Great Minister House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR.

 Yours sincerely

 R FREEMAN