The Third EU Maritime Safety Package Objectives and Challenges

Abstract

On 11 March 2009, the European Parliament approved the adoption of the Third EU Maritime Safety Package, the so-called Erika III Package.On 28 May 2009, the legislative package was published formally in the Official Journal and came into force on 17 June 2009. The package derives its name from the tragedy that was the sinking of the Erika. The legislative measures had taken three years of intensive and at times, passionate, discussions in the EU institutions and elsewhere. The package is made up of eight regulations and directives. This short article discusses the impact of some of the changes on the shipping community.

Please note: This is a draft and may contain errors.

Keywords: EU Maritime Law, marine safety and security