INTERTANKO: Use Erika to positive effect
The breakup of the Erika off the French coast in severe weather on 12 December 1999 and the subsequent spillage of 14,000 tonnes of her heavy fuel oil cargo have prompted a reaction of a magnitude not experienced since the grounding of Exxon Valdez in 1989. The popular media had two bites of the cherry - the first when the ship sank and the second, two weeks later, when her cargo began washing up on French beaches. For the maritime press, there has been no hiatus. The coverage has been continuous and abundant since the 24-year old ship sank. Furthermore, it shows no sign of abating. Accusations have been leveled at just about every conceivable party - from owner, classification society, flag state and charterer to port state, insurer and shipbuilder.
The Erika oil spill - using the incident to positive effect
Oslo-based INTERTANKO is well regarded for its work with government and international regulatory bodies in ensuring that rules and regulations pertaining to the design, construction and operations of tankers is consistent with factual data in regards to the industry's record. In the wake of the Erika disaster, Intertanko's Dagfinn Lunde has been understandably busy in meetings to ensure that ownership issues are presented. At press time, a meeting was scheduled in Brussels to discuss the tightening of rules in regards to port state control, classification directives specific to EU, and potential changes to MARPOL. The following was authored by Dagfinn Lunde, and appeared in INTERTANKO's February General Circular.
