No longer a domain unto itself, the sector is in the midst of a sea of change, in an age when marine transport is under the ever-increasing pressures of the media, public opinion, international organisations, national and international policy makers. The commercial environment, in fact, is creating new pressures, compelling evolution through mergers and consolidations and integrating the shipping industry ever more closely with other sectors worldwide. Communication skills must be learned by the shippers and owners of possible pollutants if they want to manage perceptions and protect their commercial image. The debate on safety and the prevention of accidents has led to a fundamental change in the attitudes of operators. This discussion is no longer between a few shipowners and isolated policy makers.
Safety is now a major concern shared by the entire maritime community.
Politicians, always prompt to react to public opinion, have been quick to introduce both in France and throughout the European Union a raft of legislation along with increased controls in European ports. The maritime industry is now compelled to participate, and take care that as professionals they maintain an active role in preventing short term solutions crafted by politicians seeking the favour of public opinion, or remedies based on unproven technology. The imposition of double-hulled vessels is a perfect example of an uncertain technological solution. There is still lively debate on whether or not double-hulls makes the transportation of petroleum products any safer. Owners, managers, classification societies as well as port state control, will all have to pay particular attention as these double-hulled tankers advance in age.