IOPC Funds hosts informal lunch meeting for UK-based representatives of Latin American and Caribbean States

On 25 February 2026, IOPC Funds’ Director, Mr Gaute Sivertsen, hosted an informal lunch meeting for the UK-based representatives of Latin American and Caribbean States.

Representatives from 18 States, including 13 1992 Fund Member States and five non-Member States, attended the event at the IOPC Funds’ London offices.

The Director welcomed attendees and provided a brief overview of the IOPC Funds’ role, for the benefit of attendees who were not familiar with the organisation.

He highlighted the important role of Member States both during an incident and in the general management of the IOPC Funds. In this regard, he emphasised the need for timely submission of oil reports and the critical role that this plays in ensuring the proper functioning of the organisation.

Mr Sivertsen also used the opportunity to remind Member States of the need to attend meetings of the governing bodies and to ensure that the Conventions are correctly implemented into their national legislation. He urged non-Member States considering ratification of the Conventions to apply for observer status, noting that this would enable them to attend meetings and learn more about the role of the IOPC Funds.

Concluding his remarks, the Director highlighted the growing momentum towards the entry into force of the 2010 HNS Convention and encouraged participants to approach the Secretariat with any questions regarding the benefits of becoming an HNS Fund Member State.

The event provided an excellent opportunity for the Secretariat to engage informally with officials responsible for IOPC Funds’ matters, establish or renew links with London-based focal points, strengthen outreach to Member States and promote the international liability and compensation regime.

The regional lunch meetings, held about three times a year, are extremely useful and will continue to be organised. To ensure invitations to such activities are issued to the correct contacts, States are encouraged to inform the Secretariat of any changes in relevant personnel via email at externalrelations@iopcfunds.org.