DOC // Published in Official Journal. Moldova joins two international maritime conventions

The Republic of Moldova is joining two international conventions in the maritime field, which will contribute to environmental protection and to strengthening navigation safety. The draft laws on accession to the two instruments, adopted under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization were published today in the Official Journal of the Republic of Moldova.

Thus, the 2007 Nairobi Convention establishes clear rules for the identification, marking and removal of shipwrecks that may endanger navigation safety or the marine environment, being the main international legal instrument in this field. The document stipulates that shipowners are obliged to bear the costs of wreck removal operations and to hold insurance covering possible interventions, thereby eliminating legal ambiguities and ensuring the resources needed for maritime emergency situations.

In addition, the 2009 Hong Kong Convention regulates the decommissioning and recycling of seagoing vessels, imposing strict standards for the protection of workers and the environment in the process of managing hazardous materials contained in ship structures. It is the only international legal instrument in this area, developed in response to unsafe and polluting practices worldwide.

Accession to the two conventions will align the Republic of Moldova with the international standards promoted by the International Maritime Organization and will strengthen regional cooperation in the field of navigation safety and marine environmental protection. At the same time, the two conventions will help increase environmental safety at the Giurgiulești port, reduce the risk of pollution in ship operation and recycling, and foster the development of cooperation with the Black Sea riparian states and with partners in the European Union within the framework of the circular economy and sustainable transport.

The documents enter into force upon the publication in the Official Journal.