Director delivers lecture at IMLI

On 7 April 2025, IOPC Funds’ Director, Gaute Sivertsen, returned to the International Maritime Law Institute(IMLI), where he delivered a lecture to participants of the Institute’s course on Maritime Protection and Ocean Governance.

The Director’s presentation, delivered on the topic: “The Fund Conventions and their Contribution of Adequate Compensation in Case of Oil Pollution Incidents”, was divided into four sessions over the course of the morning.

In the first session, he provided a comprehensive overview of the role and structure of the IOPC Funds and the legal framework governing the international liability and compensation regime for ship-source oil pollution. His covered contributions and the financing of the IOPC Funds.

In session two, the Director highlighted the different types of claims that can be submitted for compensation following an oil pollution incident and the admissibility criteria applied by the IOPC Funds.

In the third session, Mr Sivertsen provided updates  on the status of recent incidents and identified the challenges confronting the IOPC Funds and its operations. In this regard, the Director referred to the failure of Member States to comply with their obligations and the potential impact of international sanctions. He also noted that a growing number of tankers were trying to circumvent sanctions, resulting in increased risk to the environment and Member States.

In the final session, Mr. Sivertsen gave an overview of the 2010 Convention on the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) by sea, including its status, how it will be financed and the IOPC Funds’ role in the lead up to its entry into force.

The Director’s presentation was well received by the students, who asked a number of questions following the conclusion of each session.

IMLI, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to provide advanced education in international maritime law, is based in Malta.

The IOPC Funds regularly gives lectures to students of maritime law from IMLI and other universities as part of its efforts to enhance awareness and understanding of the international liability and compensation regime for oil pollution.

For further information, contact us at externalrelations@iopcfunds.org