EEC ro/ro concern
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THE EEC Commission is examining the safety of roll-on/roll-off ferries following recent tragedies in the North Sea and Aegean, both involving loss of life.
Brussels has approached the International Maritime Organisation, a United Nations agency based in London, which now intends to carry out a safety study.
The issue was raised in Brussels by a British MEP, Winston Griffiths, who pointed out there has been a major increase in the movement of freight and passengers on these ferries.
The recent tragedies, he said, have "called into question the inherent stability of these ships" and he asked the Commission to draw up proposals for common safety standards in the design of these car ferries.
A study, he added, was currently being conducted by Lloyds' of London with a view to suggesting possible safety improvements.
In reply, the Commission said that in view of the gravity of the problem it preferred to seek a solution within the framework of the IMO, which has worldwide responsibilities.
DOVER HARBOUR Board reports a 10.22 per cent increase in road haulage traffic in the first four months of this year, compared with the same period last year.
Its latest statistics show that 212,234 haulage units (an artic and semi-trailer count as two) went through the port in 1983, against only 192,554 last year. Other ro-ro freight was down by 13.66 per cent, but the tonnage of cargo handled rose by six per cent.