The EU Council has adopted a working document outlining a coordinated EU position for an upcoming International Maritime Organization (IMO) meeting on ship design and construction, focusing on maritime safety and environmental regulations. The document, published on 1 September 2026, aims to align Member States on key items under discussion, including amendments to the SOLAS Convention, the 2011 ESP Code, and EU Directive 2009/45/EC on passenger ship safety.
Key EU Positions on Safety and Environmental Standards
The EU will support the finalisation of revised 'safe return to port' guidelines, which are critical for ensuring passenger ships can return to port after an incident without external assistance. It also endorses mandatory guidelines for using remote inspection techniques, a move that could reduce costs and improve efficiency for ship operators. Additionally, the EU will collaborate on new international standards for ship manoeuvrability, aiming to enhance safety in congested waters.
Impact on Stakeholders
EU shipbuilders and operators face moderate impacts: new standards may require design adjustments and investment in remote inspection technology, but could also reduce downtime and inspection costs. EU maritime regulators will benefit from clearer international rules, easing enforcement. Environmental NGOs may view the focus on safety as insufficient for climate goals, though improved ship efficiency could reduce emissions. Third-country shipping lines will need to comply with new IMO standards, potentially affecting competitiveness.
Next Steps
The coordinated position will be presented by the European Commission at the IMO meeting. The Council expects the IMO to adopt the revised guidelines and standards, which would then be transposed into EU law via amendments to relevant directives. No immediate follow-up by other EU institutions is required, but the European Parliament may scrutinise the outcome.