The European Commission (EC) has published a blacklist of ships banned from EU ports, three of which originated from the Middle East.
The list includes ships that were refused access from July 22 July to November 1, 2003, including vessels flying the flags of Lebanon, Turkey and Cyprus.
The blacklist is one of a series of new safety measures enacted by the EU in response to the Prestige oil spill off northwestern Spain last year and a similar disaster from the Erika tanker off northern France in December 1999. The publication lists ships banned from EU ports and threatens the same punishment to more than 100 others.
The ban on entering EU ports has been imposed on ships that have been detained several times. Lebanon’s Alexander K vessel is among the barred ships and labeled as a Very High Risk liner. Turkey’s Sohret ship was also distinguished as Very High Risk and Cyprus’ Capeta N Giorgis was branded an Average Risk vessel, stated a press release.
Most of the ships listed are bulk carriers, but there are also two chemical tankers and one oil tanker. Other ships included on the list originated from Honduras, Panama, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
