All foreign-flagged tankers carrying crude oil and products in UAE will be prevented from entering the national ports, if they are found to be over 25 years old, the UAE Federal Transport Authority (FTA) announced.
In addition, the ships are required to have a double-hull and classed by a classification society in the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) or emirates classification society (TASNEEF).
The tankers will also need to be constructed or adapted primarily to carry crude oil and products in bulk.
This latest measure is part of an overall effort by the Federal Transport Authority (FTA) in late months to upgrade the maritime sector, with a special focus on seafarers’ protection.
A recent circular by FTA required that all ships flying the UAE flag trading internationally, as well as all ships operating in UAE waters above 200 gross tons, must have a financial security system to protect seafarers against abandonment, death or injury. This measure is to enter into force from 20 February 2018, as the country is entering into Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).
Back in October, UAE joined forces with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), seeking to develop a protocol to govern a closer working relationship, including increased cooperation and information exchange, to tackle abandonment cases in UAE waters.
