Morocco's decision to control single hull ships lauded
Morocco, Environment, 12/7/2002

The European Commission on Friday lauded Morocco's decision to request a preliminary declaration before allowing access to its ports of over 15-year-old single hull ships carrying hazardous products.

The European Union (EU) hails Morocco's decision following the wreckage of the Prestige ship off Spanish coasts, said Loyola de Palacio, spokesman for the European Transport and Energy Commissioner.

"It is high time not only for Europeans but also for our friends in neighboring countries to take necessary protective measures," the official told MAP news agency.

The Prestige ship snapped in two on November 19 carrying most of its 77,000 tons of fuel oil 3.6 km (two miles) to the ocean floor, sparking fears of a pollution time-bomb which might eventually contaminate nearby fishing grounds.

Following the catastrophe, the European Commission suggested to European transport ministers, meeting in Brussels, to ban all single hull ships carrying heavy fuel in European ports.

According to De Palacio, the protection of European ports will be to no avail if ports in the Maghreb are not protected. The official added that the European Union will ask for a mandate to discuss maritime safety with the neighbors, particularly Morocco.

Morocco had said that in its capacity as associate member of the European Union and neighboring country of the Prestige catastrophe location, adheres to the cooperation modalities proposed by the French-Spanish summit held in Malaga last November and supports the measures projected by the summit in order to guarantee the safety of sailing and avoid the recurrence of this kind of catastrophes in the future.

Morocco said it stands ready to support and defend measures projected by the summit at the international competent organizations.

Therefore, Morocco will be requesting a preliminary declaration of single hull ships, aged over 15, carrying products that can be harmful to marine environment.

The vessels' crews are requested to produce any useful information, mainly those related to the nature of the cargo, the identity of the ship-maker and the chartering company and the destination of the goods.

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