Another step towards entry into force as Slovakia ratifies the 2010 HNS Protocol

Slovakia has become the latest State to deposit an instrument of accession to the 2010 HNS Protocol, bringing the number of Contracting States to eight.

The official instrument of accession was deposited with the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on 20 November 2023. This positive step by Slovakia follows that by France, who acceded to the Protocol at the end of October, and comes  after several other States reported their progress towards accession at the meeting of the IOPC Funds’ governing bodies.

At that meeting, discussions also focused on the preparations for the entry into force of the 2010 HNS Convention and the first meeting of the HNS Fund Assembly. In particular, the IOPC Funds’ Secretariat confirmed its intention to prioritise the development of revised guidelines for the reporting of contributing cargo and offered its assistance to States with any matters relating to their accession to or implementation of the 2010 HNS Protocol.  Details of the discussions can be found here.

Among other requirements, it is necessary that 12 States have acceded to the Protocol in order for the treaty to enter into force. With the eight existing Contracting States and the commitment of several other States, it is likely that the 2010 HNS Convention will enter into force in 2026, eighteen months after the ratifications of the HNS Protocol have been secured.  For further information, please visit www.hnsconvention.org.