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, requiring environmental impact assessments and designating specific areas for such operations.

Description

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

• Restriction on Oil Transfers: Prohibits oil and oil product transfers in UK waters except in designated areas determined by the Secretary of State.
• Regulatory Framework: Mandates that regulations under Section 130 must be created within six months of the bill passing.
• Environmental Impact Assessments: Classifies transfers as "oil handling facilities" (under the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation Convention) Regulations 1998), "plans or projects" (under the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) Regulations 1994), and potentially as Annex II projects (under the Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2007), necessitating environmental assessments.
• Emergency Exemptions: Allows for exemptions from the above regulations in emergency situations, as defined by the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.
• Definition of "United Kingdom waters": Clearly defines "United Kingdom waters" as the area within the UK's territorial sea limits.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. However, costs may arise from the development and enforcement of new regulations, potential environmental remediation, and administrative processes related to permits and assessments.

Groups Affected

• Shipping Companies: Will be directly affected by the restrictions on oil transfers and the need for environmental impact assessments. Increased costs and compliance burdens are likely.
• Environmental Organizations: May see this as a positive step towards protecting the marine environment.
• Government Agencies: Will be responsible for implementing and enforcing the new regulations, requiring resources and personnel.
• Emergency Services: The exemption for emergency transfers will impact their operations, potentially requiring quicker responses and potentially modified procedures.

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