The impact of the Russian merchant fleet on port safety

Question for written answer E-002020/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Johan Danielsson (S&D)

The EU has closed its ports to Russia's entire merchant fleet of over 2 800 vessels, with some exceptions (vessels carrying pharmaceutical, medical, agricultural and food products, humanitarian aid, and energy-related products, including coal, nuclear fuel and other goods necessary for the functioning of civil nuclear capabilities).

In recent weeks, residents of the North Sea and Öresund regions were informed that the damaged ship, the MV Ruby, carrying large amounts of the highly explosive agricultural product ammonium nitrate, had been seeking to dock in European ports and, at some point, had also sought passage through the Öresund strait.

This raises serious questions as to port safety, including of dockworkers, and safety in the surrounding metropolitan areas, as well as the security of critical transport infrastructure.

• 1.In addition to problems related to the Russian 'shadow fleet', has the Commission analysed the risks related to the remaining Russian merchant fleet and shipments to and from Russia with regard to port safety and the security of critical transport infrastructure?
• 2.What actions is the Commission proposing, for example in the upcoming comprehensive EU port strategy, to reduce the risk to port safety and the security of critical transport infrastructure that is posed by the remaining Russian merchant fleet and shipments to and from Russia?

Submitted: 10.10.2024