The oil tankers with the capacity of at least 5,000 tonnes that sail under the Moldovan colors and intend to operate in EU ports will be obliged to have a double hull, IPN reports, quoting regulations approved by the Government. The oil tankers from third countries that intend to enter and operate in the Giurgiulesti Port Complex must also have a double hull.

Deputy Minister of Transport and Road Infrastructure Vitalie Rapcea explained that the given requirements and other standards for simple tankers are set in the context of the commitments assumed by Moldova through the Association Agreement with the EU and of the adjustment of the national transport norms to the European ones. The EU is concerned and repeatedly signaled that the maritime accidents involving oil tankers pollute the coastlines and cause irreparable damage to the flora, fauna and other maritime resources.

Vitalie Rapcea said there are three oil takers sailing under the Moldovan colors that are to meet the given requirements before they take effect. “The captains of the Giurgiulesti Port Complex will inform all the oil tankers that sail under Moldova’s colors or want to do it about these requirements. Otherwise, they will be unable to sail under the Moldovan colors,” he stated.

The regulations will take effect one year after they are published in the Official Gazette.