IOPC Funds’ Director delivers lecture at World Maritime University

On 3 June, IOPC Funds’ Director, Gaute Sivertsen, returned to the World Maritime University (WMU), where he delivered a lecture to 31 students specialising in Maritime Safety and Environmental Administration (MSEA).

The lecture was divided into three sessions, with the first focusing on the role and structure of the IOPC Funds and the history of the international liability and compensation regime for ship-source oil pollution. The Director underscored the critical role contributions play in ensuring the financing of the IOPC Funds and highlighted Member States’ obligations and responsibilities in terms of oil reporting, noting in particular the importance of the timely submission of oil reports to the organisation.

In the second session, he explained the types of claims covered under the 1992 Civil Liability and Fund Conventions and the admissibility criteria applied by the IOPC Funds. The Director touched on the claims-handling process and the key principles regarding claims submission, highlighting the relevance of good record-keeping and the need for claimants to submit the right documentation.

During the final session, Mr Sivertsen provided insight into the current oil pollution incidents involving the IOPC Funds, including the Gulfstream and Princess Empress incidents in Trinidad and Tobago and Philippines respectively. He noted the key issues the IOPC Funds is presently focused on and identified 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 as some of those key issues. He also gave a comprehensive overview of the 2010 Convention on the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) by sea, including its status and financing, given its anticipated entry into force.

The Director’s 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 gives lectures to students of maritime law from the 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