IOPC Funds and Japan Maritime Centre hold 2nd joint seminar on 2010 HNS Convention

The IOPC Funds and the Japan Maritime Centre (JMC) jointly hosted a seminar on the 2010 Convention on the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) by sea on 8 October 2025 in Tokyo, Japan. Supported by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, the seminar attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including senior officials from Transport Canada, ITOPF and the Maritime Disaster Prevention Center (MDPC) of Japan.

IOPC Funds’ Director, Mr Gaute Sivertsen, provided an overview of the role and structure of the organisation and the legal framework governing the international liability and compensation regime for oil pollution damage. His presentation focused on the 2010 HNS Convention, its current status, the HNS Fund and the IOPC Funds’ role in the lead-up to its entry into force. The Director also highlighted the importance of the HNS Convention and the benefits it offers to Member States, particularly in light of recent HNS incidents and the anticipated increase in global transportation of HNS cargoes as the shipping industry advances towards decarbonisation.

IOPC Funds’ HNS Project Manager, Ms Gillian Grant, updated participants on preparations for the entry into force of the 2010 HNS Convention and its implications for stakeholders and the IOPC Funds. She explained how the HNS Fund will be financed, stressed the importance of accurate reporting of HNS cargo, and underlined the critical role of the HNS Finder, the online database listing substances within the scope of the 2010 HNS Convention, including contributing cargoes.

The seminar also featured a panel discussion on the significance of the HNS Convention and the steps States need to take to ensure its effective implementation. Moderated by Professor Tomotaka Fujita, First Vice-Chair of the 1992 Fund Assembly, the panel brought together Mr François Marier, Chair of the 1992 Fund Assembly, Ms Gillian Grant, Mr Andrew Le Masurier of ITOPF, and Mr Masami Shiraishi, President of MDPC. The discussion underscored the importance of swift international cooperation to secure the timely entry into force of the Convention and to strengthen the global framework for liability and compensation in cases of ship-source HNS incidents.

Twelve States must accede to the HNS Protocol for the treaty to enter into force. To date, eight States have ratified the Protocol, with commitments from several others expected to follow. The 2010 HNS Convention is anticipated to enter into force in the near future, approximately 18 months after the criteria have been met.