Charging the cost of locating and recovering lost containers to shipowners and their customers

8.12.2015

Question for written answer E-015556-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Sylvie Goddyn (ENF)

Cargo ships frequently lose containers in the Channel and the North Sea. The most recent incident occurred on Saturday 28 November 2015, when the Liberian-registered Star First lost a number of containers off the coast of Pas-de-Calais.

Lost containers are harmful to the marine environment and can damage other vessels. Furthermore, the maritime authorities in countries with a Channel or North Sea coastline are obliged to deploy tugboats, and in some cases planes and helicopters, to locate the lost containers.

1. How does the Commission intend to ensure that shipowners operating in the Channel and the North Sea act more responsibly?

2. May penalties based on the polluter pays principle be imposed in such cases?

3. Have the Member States concerned called for shipowners and their customers to cover the cost of locating and recovering lost containers?