IOPC Funds hosts students from Ghent University

On 1 March 2024, the IOPC Funds hosted a group of students studying Finance and Risk Management at the University College of Ghent, Belgium. The visit, which takes place annually, presented a valuable opportunity to enhance the students’ understanding of the 1992 Civil Liability and Fund Conventions, which form the basis for the international liability and compensation regime.

The presentation to the students, numbering 40, was divided into five sessions. In the first session, Senior Claims Manager, Chiara DellaMea, provided a comprehensive overview of the organisation’s role and operational processes. In session two, Policy Officer, Yuji Okugawa, explained the obligations and responsibilities of Member States in terms of oil reporting, detailing the importance of the timely submission of oil reports to the IOPC Funds.

In the third session, which focused on contributions and financial management, Finance Manager, Asayehegn Woldegebrail, provided an in-depth presentation on contributions and the financing of the IOPC Funds. In session four, Senior Claims Manager, Chiara DellaMea, outlined the types of claims covered under the 1992 Civil Liability and Fund Conventions and the admissibility criteria applied by the Funds. The final session, led by Information Technology Officer, Stuart Colman, highlighted the role of information technology in the claims and oil submission processes.

The students showed keen interest throughout the presentations and asked a number of questions following each of them.

The IOPC Funds is committed to sharing knowledge and raising awareness about the international liability and compensation regime for oil pollution. Each year, the organisation extends support to educational institutions by delivering lectures to university students, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the pertinent Conventions. For further enquiries or information, contact outreach@iopcfunds.org