EC Calls for Cruise Ship Security Studies

The European Commission (EC) has issued a call for tender regarding a Study on Cruise Ship Security. According to the EC, cruise ships and cruise terminals can represent high-prestige symbolic targets for terrorists with serious repercussions.

Pursuant to the ISPS code (international ship and port facility security code) annexed to Regulation (EC) No 725/2004, which intends to provide a basis for the harmonised interpretation and implementation of the SOLAS special measures to enhance maritime security, cruise ship companies and cruise port facility operators must develop and implement security plans that address vulnerabilities identified in their security assessments.

Based on a representative sample of cruise lines (from those operating the larger cruise ships to those managing luxury yachts), and of cruise terminals in the ports of call and the ports of embarkation of passengers, the study will:

• Provide a comparative analysis of the security requirements for cruise ships when operating in the Caribbean region and when operating in Europe. The main differences should be highlighted and explained;
• Analyse the sharing of responsibilities between the cruise ship and the port facility, in at least 20 significant cruise ports, taking into account the differences between the ports-of-call and the places of embarking/disembarking passengers and crew;
• Identify the potential vulnerabilities resulting from risk assessments carried out by the cruise operators (ship and port facility) and show to what extent the security measures prescribed to mitigate the potential risks are implemented in practice.

The Commission has also published an indicative list of cruise ports that could constitute the object of the study.

The time-limit for receipt of tender is July 30, 2014; whereas the contract will last for maximum 18 months from its award.

The full call for tender can be found here.

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EC, June 18, 2014; Image: Eunavfor