The cargo ship MV OLGA S has been officially denied access to ports in the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (Paris MoU) region after being detained for the third time within a 24-month period. The latest detention took place in the port of Chioggia, Italy, on 30 September 2024.
The Paris MoU, an agreement between 28 maritime administrations, ensures that ships operating in European and North Atlantic waters comply with international standards for safety, environmental protection and working conditions. The OLGA S, which flies the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis, is on the grey list of this organisation , implying a poor record in terms of compliance with these standards.
Ship blocked for violating international standards
Based on the regulations established by the European Union Directive 2009/16/EC and Italian decree 61/2012, the third detention of the vessel triggered an immediate ban on access to all ports and anchorages in the Paris MoU region. This denial will be effective for a period of three months, and it will only be able to enter ports under exceptional circumstances, such as force majeure or urgent security needs.
Such measures are intended to deter the operation of vessels that do not meet international standards and ensure a safer maritime environment. Paris MoU inspections, which are carried out more than 17,000 times a year, are essential to identify deficiencies in the operations of foreign vessels.
MV OLGA S seeks access after correcting deficiencies
The MV “OLGA S” will only be able to request entry into the ports of its flag State, Saint Kitts and Nevis, or request access to specific ports if it is able to correct the deficiencies that led to its detention. Implementing appropriate measures and complying with regulations will be vital for the vessel to regain access to other waters.
With this case, the Paris Memorandum reaffirms its commitment to ensure that only vessels that comply with the strictest regulations can operate in the waters under its jurisdiction.
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Source and photo: PARIS MoU