Maritime safety: accelerated phasing-in of double-hull or equivalent design requirements for single-hull oil tankers. Recast

2011/0243(COD)

The European Parliament adopted by 656 votes to 4, with 15 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the accelerated phasing-in of double-hull or equivalent design requirements for single-hull oil tankers (recast).

Parliament adopted its position at first reading under the ordinary legislative procedure taking into account the recommendations of the Consultative Working Party of the legal services of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission.

The amendments adopted in plenary are the result of a compromise negotiated between the European Parliament and the Council. They concern the power conferred on the Commission to adopt delegated acts.

The amended text stresses that it is very unlikely that the IMO would modify the content of the relevant Regulations in MARPOL 73/78 and Resolutions MEPC 111(50) and 94(46) adopted by the MEPC referred to in this Regulation. However, non-substantial amendments, such as renumbering, could be introduced in those texts. In order to keep this Regulation updated with the most recent developments of relevant international law, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union should be delegated to the Commission only in respect of such amendments in so far as they do not broaden the scope of this Regulation.

The delegation of power to the Commission should be limited in duration to a period of five years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension.

It should be possible for the period for lodging objections to a delegated act to be two months. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

It is of particular importance that the Commission carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level. The Commission, when preparing and drawing up delegated acts, should ensure a simultaneous, timely and appropriate transmission of relevant documents to the European Parliament and Council.