A key reinforcement of international maritime security

Ships must be insured in EU waters. This is the objective of the European Union, which has taken a step forward in the surveillance and control of maritime traffic with the proposal of a new amendment to Directive 2002/59/EC, which will oblige all ships sailing in EU waters to prove that they have valid insurance, even if they do not call at EU ports.

This measure, promoted by the European Commission, seeks to reduce the environmental, economic and security risks arising from the transit of unsecured vessels in EU waters, especially in a context marked by geopolitical instability and the growing threats associated with the transport of hazardous cargoes.

Context: Why is the EU tightening controls on insured vessels?

Over the past year, there has been a significant increase in the number of vessels sanctioned by the EU. More than 1,000 vessels were subject to sanctions, of which at least 800 did not have confirmed insurance, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence.

This scenario has set off alarm bells in Brussels, as:

• The average age of these sanctioned vessels is 21 years, well above the global average (13 years).
• The deterioration of these vessels significantly increases the risks of accidents, spills and structural failures.
• The proliferation of the so-called Russian “ghost fleet” and the use of flags of convenience complicate the traceability and control of these vessels.

The new measure will require proof of insurance of vessels in EU waters, a control that until now was more lax for those ships that only transited without docking in EU ports.

What does this measure imply for shipowners and maritime operators?

The approval of this amendment will mean that ship owners and operators will be obliged to prove the existence of valid and current insurance before crossing European Union waters, regardless of whether their destination is not a European port.

Main implications:

• Increased surveillance and control on the high seas, thus avoiding circumvention of community regulations.
• Possible sanctions and access restrictions for non-compliant vessels.
• Strengthening the EU’s commitment to environmental protection and maritime safety.
• Increased operating costs for those shipowners who currently operate outside the required coverage.

From the point of view of ship supply companies, this measure has a double impact:

1. Increased safety and traceability in logistic and ship supply operations.
2. Strengthening confidence in authorized suppliers and legally compliant shipping companies, especially with regard to vessels insured in EU waters.

Complementary Actions in Europe: Some outstanding examples

The EU is not acting alone in this reinforcement of maritime surveillance. Countries such as Denmark, the United Kingdom and Estonia have implemented additional measures:

• Denmark conducts inspections of high-risk oil tankers in the Skagen area.
• The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), led by the United Kingdom, employs surveillance systems to protect undersea infrastructures.
• In April, Estonia detained an 18-year-old tanker for using a false flag, setting a precedent in the control of irregular fleets.

In addition, Operation Nordic Warden uses artificial intelligence to analyze Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and detect suspicious behavior of unsecured vessels in EU waters.

An opportunity for the professionalization of the maritime sector

The entry into force of these regulations represents a challenge for shipping companies, but also an opportunity for maritime services companies such as ship supply companies.

Certification, transparency and regulatory compliance will become key elements to gain competitiveness in the sector, ensuring safer and more sustainable operations.

Companies such as Interseas Naval Service play a fundamental role in this new scenario, ensuring efficient and regulated supply to insured vessels in EU waters, reinforcing the safety of operations.

Conclusion: Towards safer and more responsible shipping in Europe

The requirement to prove that all vessels transiting EU waters are insured is a logical and necessary step to protect not only economic interests, but also the safety of people and the preservation of the marine environment.

The maritime sector must adapt to this new environment, focusing on professionalization and strict compliance with regulations, thus consolidating the image of safe, responsible and sustainable shipping, where insured vessels in EU waters are the standard, not the exception.