IOPC Funds’ Director delivers guest lecture at World Maritime University

On 2 March 2026, IOPC Funds’ Director, Gaute Sivertsen, returned to the World Maritime University (WMU), where he delivered a lecture to 29 students specialising in Maritime Law and Policy (MLP).

The lecture was divided into four sessions over the course of the day. The first focused on the role and structure of the IOPC Funds and the legal framework governing the international liability and compensation regime for ship-source oil pollution. He outlined how the organisation is financed and the role of Member States in its governance.

In the second session, the Director addressed the types of claims covered under the 1992 Civil Liability and Fund Conventions and the admissibility criteria applied by the Funds. He highlighted the claims-handling process and the key principles governing claims submission, underscoring in particular the importance of good record-keeping and the need for claimants to submit the appropriate supporting documentation.

During the third session, Mr Sivertsen provided insight into current oil pollution incidents involving the IOPC Funds, including the Terranova, Marine Honour, Gulfstream, Princess Empress incidents. He noted the key issues currently facing the organisation, notably the failure of some Member States to comply with their obligations, the potential impact of international sanctions, and the need to ensure treaty-compliant insurance arrangements.

In the fourth and final session, the Director gave an overview of the 2010 Convention on the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) by sea. He explained the current status of the Convention and the IOPC Funds’ role in preparations for its anticipated entry into force, including the establishment of the future HNS Fund.

The presentations were delivered to an engaged audience, who asked a number of questions at the end of each session.

The WMU, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to provide postgraduate maritime and ocean education, is based in Malmö, Sweden.

The IOPC Funds regularly delivers lectures to students of maritime law at WMU 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