THE STATE OF IMPLEMENTION OF THE MEASURE

With respect to ship-to-ship (STS) oil cargo and other transfer operations between oil tankers, the measure has been implemented through amendments made to the Act on Environmental Protection in Maritime Transport (1672/2009). In the programme period 2022–2027, Baltic Sea cooperation in regulation will continue in order to promote the reform of HELCOM Recommendation 28/3 on STS. The unanimity of all member states with regard to the issue is a prerequisite for the reform.

DESCRIPTION

Ship-to-ship (STS) oil cargo transfer operations between oil tankers are carried out in Finland’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone as well as in the entire Baltic Sea area using uniform methods, complying with any restrictions relating to weather and ice conditions and taking into account the high risk of oil spills involved.

It will be examined whether the implementation of the amendment made to Annex I to the MARPOL Convention on STS operations leads to a need to supplement national legislation relating to STS procedures in Finnish waters.

Within the framework of Baltic Sea cooperation, the reform of HELCOM Recommendation 28/3 on STS will be promoted. The unanimity of all member states regarding the issue is a prerequisite for the reform. The proposal has been discussed in the HELCOM MARITIME and RESPONSE Working Groups and sub-group GREEN TEAM.

SCHEDULE

2016-2021

MAIN IMPLEMENTING PARTY

Ministry of Transport and Communications (LVM) and Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom)