Transport Minister: Accidents similar to Prestige wreck impossible in Russian fleet

Accidents similar to the wreck of the Prestige tanker that sank near the Spanish coasts cannot occur in the Russian fleet, said Russian Transport Minister Sergei Frank. Russia has "a young tanker fleet complying with all international standards", he announced.

The fact that the list of 70 vessels that are prohibited to enter European ports does not contain Russian ships proves his statement, the minister believes.

Moscow supports the decision of European authorities to take out of service single-hull tankers like the Prestige and believes that the responsibility of ship owners in similar situations should be higher, Frank added.

He also spoke in favor of increasing the compensation for consequences of ecological disasters.