Today, IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111) adopted amendments to the ship reporting systems BELTREP and SOUNDREP for the Great Belt and the Sound.
The amendments mean that ships will in the future be required to report information on relevant insurance certificates when transiting Danish waters. The measure builds on existing international ship reporting systems.
The amendments were adopted with broad support following extensive and at times politically charged discussions.
The purpose of the amendments is to strengthen the maritime situational awareness, support the handling of incidents, and contribute to safe navigation and the protection of the marine environment, including in areas already designated as Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSA) under IMO.
The adoption comes against the backdrop of growing international concern regarding substandard shipping and unclear ownership and insurance conditions. The measure contributes to a stronger basis for authorities’ handling of safety and environmental risks, including insufficient insurance coverage.
The amendments will enter into force six months after their adoption.