EMSA Seeks Stand-by Spill Recover Vessels

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) issued a Prior Information Notice stating that it is seeking to contract with ship owners for service contracts making the ships available to stand-by for potential use as oil spill recovery vessels. The four priority areas where such service is sought are the Baltic Sea, the Western Approaches to the Channel, the Atlantic Coast, and the Mediterranean Sea. In the event of a large oil spill and following a request by a member state, the stand-by vessel would cease its commercial activities and commence oil spill response. (HK Law)