Recently the European Commission proposed a Delegated Directive amending Annex I of the Vessel Monitoring Directive (2002/59/EC) to require all ships entering EU waters to provide proof of insurance. The Directive has now been published and will enter into force on 18 May 2025. Please find the directive at this link.

The European Commission has adopted a Delegated Directive amending Annex I of the Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Information System Directive (Directive 2002/59/EC). This amendment requires all ships entering EU water, including vessels transiting without calling at EU ports, to submit proof of insurance. The Directive has now been published and will enter into force 20 days from publication. A copy is attached and can also be accessed.  In parallel, the Commission and Member States have submitted a proposal to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to amend existing Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems (MRS) covering EU coastal waters.

These measures aim to improve maritime safety and environmental protection by enhancing the EU’s capacity to monitor and respond to risks posed by uninsured or unsafe vessels. By mandating insurance disclosure for all vessels within reporting zones, the Directive aligns EU rules with international standards and addresses emerging risks linked to hazardous cargoes and geopolitical instability.

Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General for Mobility and Transport, described the measure as a targeted step with significant impact, reinforcing the preparedness of coastal States and the EU’s broader commitment to safe and sustainable maritime operations.