MT Princess Empress – IOPC Funds continue to monitor developments

The IOPC Funds continues to follow developments in the incident currently affecting the Philippines, involving the tanker MT Princess Empress, and is in close contact with the ship’s insurer and experts on site.

A delegation representing the Government of the Philippines visited the IOPC Funds’ offices on 15 March 2023 to meet with the Director and a member of the Claims Department. They provided information about the incident and the Director explained the role of the IOPC Funds and gave an overview of the general claims process in cases where the 1992 Fund Convention applies.

It is reported that this incident has resulted in oil pollution damage to eastern Mindoro and some other islands further south, and that the sunken vessel was carrying 800 000 litres of fuel oil as cargo at the time of the incident.

The Philippines is a Party to the 1992 Fund Convention. However, it is too early to determine whether the Convention would apply to this incident at this stage.  The IOPC Funds will continue to liaise with key stakeholders, to monitor developments closely and will respond accordingly. It will report to the upcoming session of the 1992 Fund Executive Committee in May.