IOPC Funds welcomes Ghent University students

On 27 February 2026, the IOPC Funds welcomed a group of 40 students studying Finance and Insurance at the University College of Ghent, Belgium, to its London offices. The visit, which takes place annually, provided a valuable opportunity to enhance the students’ understanding of the 1992 Civil Liability Convention, the 1992 Fund Convention and the Supplementary Fund Protocol. These three legal instruments form the basis for the international liability and compensation regime for ship-source oil pollution.

Two presentations were delivered to the students. The first,  led by Claims Manager, Mark Homan, provided a comprehensive overview of the organisation’s functions and operational processes. He explained the types of claims covered under the international regime and the admissibility criteria applied by the IOPC Funds. The session also featured a case study examining claims for compensation arising from the Gulfstream incident in Trinidad and Tobago. Mr Homan further highlighted the obligations of Member States regarding oil reporting, stressing the importance of the timely submission.

In the second session, Finance Manager, Asayehegn Woldegebrail, delivered a presentation on oil reporting, contributions and the financial management of the IOPC Funds. He outlined how levies are calculated and used to finance compensation payments, as well as the Funds’ financial planning and investment guidelines, including measures to mitigate financial risks. Mr. Woldegebrail also detailed the financial governance structure of the IOPC Funds and the oversight bodies that ensure decisions are taken transparently and in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The students demonstrated keen interest throughout the visit and posed a wide range  of questions  following the presentations.

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.