DMA: Denmark Brings Up Issue of Lightweight Ships at Council Meeting

On 10 June 2013, the EU Ministers of Transport met in Luxemburg for a Council meeting. On this occasion, the Member States agreed on a proposal for a marine equipment directive; and Denmark aired its view on lightweight ships.

Among the items on the agenda for the Council meeting were a proposal for a marine equipment directive and a presentation by the Commission of coming initiatives in the field of passenger ship safety.

Prompt agreement on new provisions on marine equipment

At the meeting, the Member States reached agreement about the marine equipment directive – only approximately six months after the presentation of the directive.

The purpose of the directive is manifold. Firstly, to ensure that marine equipment – such as life-jackets and lifeboats – are inspected and approved in a more homogeneous manner throughout the EU. The experience gained from the current directive shows that the Member States apply the directive in differently and, ultimately, this may affect both safety and competitiveness. Secondly, the purpose of the directive is to ensure that the EU equipment manufacturers actually have free access to the entire market: Equipment approved by one EU Member State must be accepted by the other EU Member States.

Denmark supports the directive. During the negotiations, Denmark has striven to ensure that the Member States maintain their contributory influence, for example when the Commission intends to determine EU standards and marking requirements. Shipping is a global business, and so should the regulations be. This view is shared by a majority of the Member States so the Council reached agreement.

The next step is the European Parliament’s consideration of the proposal, presumably immediately after the summer holidays.

Passenger ships made of lightweight materials?

As regards passenger ship safety, the Commission follows several tracks as a follow-up to the Costa Concordia accident last year. One important element is an update of the passenger ship directive.

In general, an update of the directive enjoys support in the EU Member States. At the meeting, Denmark argued in favor of the proposed directive contributing to an open internal market for ships made of lightweight materials, such as composite. Light ships have potential advantages to the environment – they are easier to maintain and consume less fuel – and to growth and employment in countries with ship-building industries, not least to Denmark.

Now, Denmark will follow up on the proposal for a directive vis-à-vis the Commission, which is expected to be presented before the end of the year.

DMA, June 12, 2013