Director’s visit to Republic of Korea

On 17 and 18 April 2023, the Director, Gaute Sivertsen, visited Seoul, Republic of Korea to meet with Mr Seong-yong Choi, Director of Maritime Safety Policy Division of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.  They discussed various points of interest, including the conclusions of the meeting held last year to review the handling of the Hebei Spirit incident, the importance of continuing the close cooperation between the State and the IOPC Funds and the latest developments with regards to incidents involving the IOPC Funds and challenges facing the organisation at present.

Mr Sivertsen also met with other senior government officials and representatives of the Republic of Korea to IOPC Funds’ meetings, including former Chair of the Supplementary Fund Assembly, Mr Sungbum Kim.  Whilst visiting Seoul, the Director also took the opportunity to meet with representatives of KOMOS, who are experts in the field of oil spill response in the Republic of Korea and who worked closely with the IOPC Funds in respect of the Hebei Spirit incident.