WORKING GROUPS

The maritime transport sector makes a major contribution to growth in Europe and its territories.

Its development requires the existence of relevant and evolving rules for the safety of transport and maritime infrastructure, and to deal with the consequences of potential accidents and pollution.

Led by the Region of Brittany, the Erika IV initiative aims to promote the need for:

• For the European Union and the International Maritime Organisation to continue their action and develop responses to the new risks inherent to the transport of passengers and freight through the adoption of an Erika IV package on a European level if necessary;

• For the comprehensive and rapid implementation of existing regulations, particularly those arising from the Erika III package;

• For progress to be made on the specific question of compensation for ecological damage, over and above the adoption of the proposed regulation on greater safety for prospecting, exploration and production in maritime oil and gas fields. The CPMR will continue to make use of its observer status within the IOPC funds;

• For the reinforcement and coordination of maritime surveillance resources, notably through support for the EMFF and the fight against pollution at sea and on land;

• For improvements to the training and working conditions of seamen;

• For international and European follow-up to the discussions on passenger vessels arising from the wreck of the Costa Concordia. The CPMR was involved in these discussions through its Giglio Declaration published on the occasion of the seminar organised by Tuscany Region and the CPMR in April 2012 on the Island of Giglio.