Curtas do Bryant´s

US & Canada – ECA proposal submitted to IMO

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a news release stating that, on March 27, it submitted a joint US-Canadian proposal to the IMO to create an emissions control area (ECA) around the coasts of both nations. The ECA, if approved by the IMO, would apply to vessels engaged on international voyages within 200 nautical miles of the coast of either nation. The proposal does not extend to the US Pacific territories, the western (unpopulated) Hawaiian Islands, the US territories of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, the Aleutian Islands, and Western Alaska. The proposal also does not extend to the Canadian Arctic. Further study of the impact of emissions in these locations is necessary to support any future proposal. The ECA will require transiting vessels to utilize very low sulfur fuel oil. Coincidently (?), the Environmental Defense Fund, an environmental advocacy group, released a report on the benefits of establishment of an ECA in US waters. Note: There are actually only two surprises related to this proposal. The first is how rapidly and comprehensively the Obama Administration has moved on this issue. The second is the inclusion of Canada, making it a regional submittal, which is favored by the IMO. There was never any doubt that the US would apply for the ECA designation. (3/30/09).

IMO – guidance on distress alerts

The IMO issued a circular providing guidance on distress alerts, describing the operating procedure for a distress alert. COMSAR.1/Circ.45 (2/4/09).

EU – maritime transport policy

The Council of the European Union issued its Conclusions on the Commission communication on the strategic goals and recommendations for the EU’s maritime transport policy until 2018. Among other things, it invites the European Commission (EC) to further develop appropriate measures for maintaining and improving a clear and globally competitive EU framework for state aid, tonnage and income taxation related to the maritime transport industry. (3/30/09). Fonte: Dennis Bryant.