Maritime safety: double hull or equivalent design for single hull oil tankers, package Erika I

Given the Common Position is largely in line with the Commission's initial proposal, the Commission accepts the changes proposed by the Council. Further, the Commission is of the view that the Common Position reflects the international agreement as adopted by IMO MEPC 46, which will lead to a global acceleration of the phasing-out of single-hull oil tankers and hence reduce the risk of accidental oil pollution due to grounding or collision; not just in European waters but world wide.�