IOPC Funds participates in regional workshop on IMO Civil Liability Conventions

The IOPC Funds contributed to a regional workshop on IMO Civil Liability Conventions in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, from 20 to 24 January 2025. IOPC Funds’ Claims Manager, Mark Homan, joined experts from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Group of P&I Associations to deliver the five-day workshop to representatives from 14 States, including 7 1992 Fund Member States and 7 non-Member States.

The Claims Manager provided an overview of the role and structure of the IOPC Funds and the legal framework governing the international liability and compensation regime for ship-source oil pollution. His presentation also covered the financing of the IOPC Funds as well as Member States’ obligations and responsibilities in terms of oil reporting. In this regard, he stressed the importance of the timely submission of oil reports to the IOPC Funds. He also stressed the benefits of acceding to the 1992 Fund Convention for those States not presently members, and to accede to the Supplementary Fund Protocol for those States present, which already qualified for inclusion

He also delivered a presentation focusing on the 2010 Convention on the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) by sea, its status, how the HNS Fund will be financed, the importance of proper reporting of HNS cargo and the IOPC Funds’ role in the lead up to its entry into force.

The workshop also featured group exercises on the various topics addressed by Mr Homan and other experts from IMO and the International Group.

The IOPC Funds are committed to promoting understanding of the international regime and to enhancing cooperation with oil receivers operating within Member States. The Secretariat is available to offer guidance and support. To request further information, please contact externalrelations@iopcfunds.org.