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The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has launched a six-week public consultation on proposals for new legislation to regulate ship-to-ship transfers (STS) and bunkering operations of oil in UK waters.

The legislation will regulate transfers of cargo consisting wholly or mainly of oil, between ships in UK territorial waters so that:

- cargo transfers can only take place after an application to the Secretary of State by a harbour authority for an oil transfer licence.

- once the licence has been granted, cargo transfers which are within the scope of the oil transfer licence may be authorised by the harbour authority.

- bunkering operations can only take place in harbour areas (no requirement for an oil transfer licence).

Shipping Minister, Paul Clark, said: "The MCA works hard to keep our waters clean and safe.These measures will ensure that the highest standards of safety and environmental protection are applied when oil is being transferred to or from a ship."

The MCA has asked interested partied to contact them with their comments during the six week consultation period.

The consultation closes on 22nd March 2010. Full details of the consultation can be found on the MCA website, at: http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/shipsandcargoes/consultations/mcga-currentconsultations/cp-con-sts2010.htm

Additional Information:

1. The Regulations are made under section 130 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. The aim of the Regulations is to control cargo transfers and bunkering operations of oil within the UKs territorial waters.

2. The harbour authority where the transfer will take place must apply for an oil transfer licence. This will require an assessment of the possible environmental impact of the transfer before consent can be given for the transfer.

3. The Regulations also implement the European Habitats Directive in respect of cargo transfers and this means that harbour authorities will also have to consider whether there will be a significant effect on any European designated conservation site.

4. Harbour authorities that currently carry out bunkering operations will not be required to apply for an oil transfer licence.