EMEA News
€160.5 million for EU Marine Pollution Response
The European Parliament has approved a €160.5 million ($222.1 million) funding package to help the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) combat marine pollution from 2014 through 2020, according to a European Union (EU) press release.
The funds will support detection, monitoring, and cleanup efforts, and allow the agency to begin addressing new responsibilities for fighting spills from oil and gas installations, which was an extended mandate given to EMSA following the Deepwater Horizon spill.
"The European system to combat pollution at sea has proven its added-value and cost-efficiency," said Siim Kallas, vice-president for transport.
"I welcome the European Parliament's continued support for the effective work carried out by the European Maritime Safety Agency."
The funds will help maintain an EU-wide network of anti-pollution vessels capable of responding to emergencies.
The seven-year period of the funding will allow EMSA to sign multi-year contracts with equipment and service providers.
The agency's network of Stand-by Oil Spill Response Vessels consists of commercial vessels that can mobilise for oil recovery efforts, according to its website.
