Director delivers lecture to IMLI students

On 16 April 2024, IOPC Funds’ Director, Gaute Sivertsen, delivered a lecture to participants of the International Maritime Law Institute’s (IMLI) course on Maritime Protection and Ocean Governance.  

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

In session one, the Director provided an 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 presentation covered contributions and the financing of the IOPC Funds as well as Member States’ obligations and responsibilities in terms of oil reporting. In this regard, he stressed the importance of the timely submission of oil reports to the IOPC Funds.  

In session two, the Director explained the types of claims covered under the 1992 Civil Liability and Fund Conventions and the admissibility criteria applied by the IOPC Funds.   

In the final session, Mr Sivertsen updated his audience on the status of recent incidents and identified the challenges confronting the IOPC Funds and its operations, referring in particular to the failure of Member States to comply with their obligations and the potential impact of international sanctions. He noted that a growing number of tankers were trying to circumvent sanctions, resulting in increased risk to the environment and Member States.  

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

The Director’s presentations were delivered to an engaged audience who asked a number of questions following the conclusion of each of the three sessions.   

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