In the framework of reacting on the causes and consequences of maritime ecological catastrophe, started after December 15, when two Russian tankers sinked near Kerch Strait, our Association continues the analytic and informational activities, disseminating truth on that tragedy, caused by negligence and criminal behaviour in the Russian oil industry.
As on February 10 87th Annual Session of the UN Economic Commission for Europe’s Inland Transport Committee started in Geneva, our Association sent additional submissions to that body beforehand that meeting, also as to other international structures with mandates on inland water transport, including international river commissions.
We asked UNECE Committee to take into account the ecological disaster, started after catastrophe of “Volgoneft-212” and “Volgoneft-239”, to discuss that issue on Committee’s 87th Annual Session, to disseminate truth about this catastrophe, to reflect it in own publications, researches and activities, and to make relevant steps on full ban for shipping and other exploitation the vessels of the “Volgoneft” project and full ban for vessels, certified by “Russian Classification Society” in relevant inland international waterways.
On February 10 UNECE send us official thanks regarding our submission and stressed, regarding ongoing catastrophe, that “the UNECE Secretariat fully understands the severity of the accidents and the magnitude of the disaster for the marine environment as well as other consequences” and that it “would like to extend its sincerest sympathies to all who suffered from the accidents and their repercussions”.
The UNECE Secretariat expressed hope in the official message mentioned that “the investigation findings and recommendations made by the relevant international organizations will give a momentum for enhancing the navigation and environmental safety on inland waterways where applicable”. Our activities will be continued to bring Russia to justice for the large-scale environmental crimes committed by the Russia-controlled fleet, including challenges for inland waterways.
