IOPC Funds welcomes students from Ghent University

On 28 February 2025, the IOPC Funds welcomed a group of 39 students studying Finance and Risk Management 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, as well as the Supplementary Fund Protocol. The three legal instruments form the basis for the international liability and compensation regime for ship-source oil pollution.

The presentation to the students was divided into five sessions. In the first session, Claims Manager, Mark Homan, provided a comprehensive overview of the organisation’s functions and operational processes. In session two, Policy Officer, Yuji Okugawa, detailed the obligations and responsibilities of Member States in terms of oil reporting,  stressing the importance of the timely submission of oil reports to the IOPC Funds.

In the third session, Finance Manager, Asayehegn Woldegebrail, provided an in-depth presentation on contributions and the financing of the IOPC Funds. In session four, Mr Homan, outlined the types of claims covered under the international regime 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 demonstrated keen interest throughout the sessions and asked a variety of questions at the end of 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.