Title: A critical evaluation of EU maritime policy (1957, 1986-2010)

Authors: Alexander M. Goulielmos; Y.H. Venus Lun

Addresses: Department of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus, 80 Karaoli and Dimitriou St., Piraeus 18534, Greece. ' Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Abstract: We stress the basic pillars of EU's Maritime Policy: 'competition, quality ships, and short sea shipping'. EU expressed its dissatisfaction with IMO, destined, by shipping community, to safeguard safety. This emerged after 1985, when national flags created parallel registries. The common maritime policy was absent from 1957 till 1986, due to the unanimity principle, as argued. The qualified majority adopted, but unfortunately, for decisions in maritime matters, it remained as it was when the Union was established. This paper found it fair to propose a new allocation of votes among MS, when maritime matters are decided, based on fleet owned under national flag. Great achievement for the Union in 1986 was the four regulations, 4055-4058, reinforcing competition and recognised as the foundation of EU Maritime Policy. Flagging-out during the crisis of 1981-1987 remained. In 1989, EU proposed the so called 'positive measures', one of which was to establish an EU Register of ships, which failed twice. EU Maritime Policy was driven by marine accidents and quality shipping thereafter to this day.

Keywords: EU maritime policy; European Union; Single European Act; critical evaluation; common maritime policy; competition; quality ships; short sea shipping; national flags; parallel registries; marine accidents.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOSM.2012.046480

International Journal of Ocean Systems Management, 2012 Vol.1 No.3/4, pp.270 - 288

Published online: 28 Oct 2014 *

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