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tions and take safety and environmental concerns extremely seriously. We have a lot at stake globally and will not take the risk of exposing ourselves to the outrage and condemnation that rightly emerges from these incidents. So, where does that leave us in terms of our response to the Prestige incident? Our assurance strategy and vetting policies have again been reviewed to ensure they are fit for purpose, both now and in the future. After the Erika inci- dent we did this, and some elements were strengthened, specifically structur- al controls and inspection frequencies on older ships. We found no need to adjust our vetting criteria after the Prestige sinking. We have worked hard with our indus- try colleagues through the good offices of the Oil Companies International Marine Forum, OCIMF, to provide sound and robust comments and advice on the EU proposals. We have also met directly with EU decision makers. Most of the EU proposals were about fast tracking or advancing the plans that emerged after the Erika, including an immediate ban on single hull tankers transporting heavy grades of oil. We believe that sub stan- dard ships should be driven out of the industry. This means that more focus and accountability must be brought to bear on the ship owners who operate these ves- sels and the Flag States that condone <