Spain Enhances Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection with New Royal Decree on Flag State Obligations
Madrid, Spain – August 14, 2025 – The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has announced the publication of a draft Royal Decree concerning the fulfillment of flag state obligations derived from International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions. This significant legislative development underscores Spain’s commitment to upholding the highest international standards for maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
The “Proyecto de Real Decreto sobre el cumplimiento de las obligaciones como Estado de abanderamiento derivadas de los convenios de la OMI” (Draft Royal Decree on the fulfillment of flag state obligations derived from IMO conventions) aims to consolidate and update Spain’s regulatory framework to ensure robust compliance with the comprehensive body of international maritime law established by the IMO. As a prominent maritime nation, Spain recognizes its crucial role and responsibilities in promoting safe, secure, and environmentally sound shipping practices worldwide.
This new decree is expected to provide a clearer and more integrated approach to how Spain, as a flag state, will implement and enforce the requirements of various IMO conventions. These conventions cover a wide spectrum of maritime activities, including:
- Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS): Addressing the design, construction, equipment, and operation of ships to ensure their seaworthiness and the safety of those on board.
- Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL): Setting out regulations to prevent and minimize pollution from ships, including oil, noxious liquid substances, harmful substances in packaged form, sewage, garbage, and air pollution.
- Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW): Establishing global standards for the training, certification, and watchkeeping of seafarers to ensure competence and safety at sea.
- Maritime Labour Convention (MLC): Setting minimum standards for seafarers’ working and living conditions, including employment agreements, wages, hours of work, accommodation, and health protection.
- International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code: Enhancing maritime security by establishing measures to prevent and respond to unlawful acts that threaten the maritime transport industry.
By proactively updating its national legislation, Spain aims to not only meet its international commitments but also to foster a maritime sector that is both competitive and responsible. The Ministry’s initiative reflects a forward-thinking approach to maritime governance, ensuring that Spanish-flagged vessels and Spanish maritime activities adhere to the most current and effective international safety and environmental protocols.
The publication of this draft Royal Decree initiates a period of public consultation, inviting stakeholders to provide feedback and contribute to the refinement of the proposed regulations. This inclusive approach is vital in developing legislation that is both effective in practice and well-received by the maritime community.
This comprehensive update is anticipated to bolster Spain’s reputation as a responsible flag state and further contribute to the global efforts to create a safer and more sustainable maritime industry. The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility remains dedicated to ensuring that Spain’s maritime operations are conducted with the utmost regard for safety, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of seafarers.
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible published ‘Proyecto de Real Decreto sobre el cumplimiento de las obligaciones como Estado de abanderamiento derivadas de los convenios de la OMI’ at 2025-08-14 10:26. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.