Overview

The Environmental Protection (Transfers at Sea) Bill aims to enhance environmental safeguards during cargo transfers at sea, particularly focusing on oil and oil products, within UK waters. It amends existing legislation to regulate these transfers, incorporating existing environmental protection regulations.

Description

This bill primarily amends Section 130 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. Key changes include:

• Prohibition of Oil Transfers: Transfers of oil and oil products in UK waters will be prohibited except in designated areas determined by the Secretary of State.
• Regulatory Alignment: Cargo transfers are defined as "oil handling facilities" under the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation Convention) Regulations 1998 and as "plans or projects" under the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994. They may also be considered Annex II projects under the Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2007.
• Emergency Exemptions: Emergency cargo transfers are exempt from the above restrictions.
• Time Limit for Regulations: Regulations under the amended Section 130 must be created within six months of the bill passing.
• Definitions: The bill adds definitions for "emergency" (as per the Civil Contingencies Act 2004) and "United Kingdom waters" (as per the Territorial Sea Act 1987) to the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify government spending figures. The cost will likely involve the development and enforcement of new regulations and potentially, the designation and monitoring of permitted transfer areas. Further analysis would be needed to estimate the exact financial impact.

Groups Affected

• Shipping Companies: These will face restrictions on where they can transfer oil and oil products in UK waters. Compliance costs will increase.
• Environmental Agencies: Increased responsibilities in monitoring compliance and enforcing regulations.
• Emergency Response Teams: May experience changes in procedures given the exemption for emergency transfers.
• Oil and Gas Industry: This sector will be directly impacted by the restrictions on oil transfers.

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