Spain calls for stricter regulations on Ship to Ship oil transfer. The shadow trade involving “ghost” tankers has grown as restrictions are imposed on Russian energy sales due to the Russia-Ukrain war. Incidents involving unregulated vessels, such as groundings, near-misses, and collisions have reached their highest level in years.
Last week Spain submitted a resolution to the legal committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The resolution urges them to address the consequences and concerns surrounding the increase in illicit operations. Spain has tightened regulations for ship-to-ship (STS) transfers along its Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines. They are also urging flag states to enhance their oversight of this activity.
“We express our willingness to support any international initiative aimed at resolving this problem and, to this end, we are urging at the international level initiatives against such STS operations outside our waters,” the source in the spans ministry of transport said.
A paper submitted to the IMO committee by Australia, the United States, and Canada said illicit transfers “undermine the rules-based international order”. committee warning that illicit transfers “undermine the rules-based international order.”
The IMO committee said that shadow tankers pose a high risk of incidents, particularly when engaged in STS transfers. It also noted that the tactics used to obscure ship identities undermine the spirit of the regulation prescribed by the MARPOL maritime convention.
The increased use of unregulated tankers poses a significant environmental threat. These vessels do not adhere to the same safety standards and regulations as licensed tankers. Additionally, the tactics used to evade detection and sanctions pose a risk to maritime security and the rules-based international order. Therefore, it is essential to strengthen regulations surrounding STS transfers and increase enforcement efforts to prevent illicit operations at sea.
