Spain represented itself at the International Maritime Organization’s Legal Committee to address growing concerns around ship-to-ship (STS) transfers on the high seas. The discussion in London last Friday focused on the consequences of recent events and the need for clearer rules as tanker movements increase. The topic centers on how ships transfer cargo between vessels, a practice that, while common, raises important safety and environmental questions on the global stage.
Spain presented a proposal that aligns with European Union sanctions against Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The plan targets STS operations conducted by Russian crude oil tankers beyond Spain’s maritime borders but in nearby waters near Ceuta. The emphasis is on ensuring that transfers outside the national exclusive economic zone still receive proper oversight and accountability when interests of neighboring states could be affected.
Current international regulations require that when a cargo transshipment operation occurs on any oil tanker, the state where the STS takes place must be informed by the vessel owner and the operation must receive explicit authorization from that state. This framework is intended to prevent unregulated transfers that could bypass sanctions or undermine pollution prevention standards.
In proposing changes, Spain argues for tightening oversight by noting that cargo transshipments carry a high potential risk of accidents and pollution, which could threaten coastal communities and environmental resources in adjacent States. The aim is to strengthen the obligation for notification and consent to reduce the likelihood of spills and other environmental hazards linked to transshipment activities.
Spain also acknowledged ongoing challenges, including illicit schemes to evade sanctions and the use of ships that may not meet robust safety and pollution-prevention guarantees. The Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and the Urban Agenda stressed the need to close gaps that may allow unsafe practices to persist and to ensure consistent enforcement across jurisdictions.
The proposal found significant support within the IMO after a lengthy deliberation, with roughly 25 delegations contributing to the discussion. Looking ahead to the next meeting in December, Spain plans to broaden its international outreach and collaborate with other IMO member states such as Australia, Canada, and the United States to refine and advance the proposal in the spirit of stronger global governance for STS operations.