Single-hull oil tankers have been banned from European ports with effect from 21 October 2003
The Regulation banning single-hull oil tankers from European ports was published in the EU?s Official Journal on 21 October thereby signifying the entry into force of the new regulations. Now, single-hull oil tankers may not be used to carry heavy grades of oil to or from EU ports. In addition, the timetable for the phasing-out of such tankers has been speeded up, and oil tankers more than 23 years old - such as the ?Erika? and ?Prestige? -are banned from EU ports immediately. During the gradual phasing-out period, tankers of 15 or more years old will undergo exhaustive technical inspections. The EU is now focusing on the international arena in order to have similar measures introduced by all national maritime administrations.
