National workshop on liability and compensation for Mauritius

At the invitation of the Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries & Shipping of Mauritius, the IOPC Funds ran an online workshop from 16 to 17 September 2021 on liability and compensation following an oil spill from a tanker.

Mauritius is Party to the 1992 Civil Liability Convention and the 1992 Fund Convention.

Claims Managers, Mark Homan and Ana Cuesta, delivered presentations on the international liability and compensation regime for oil pollution damage from tanker spills, which comprises the 1992 Conventions and the Supplementary Fund Protocol, and explained the importance of correct implementation of the Conventions. They were joined by Oil Reporting Administrator, Sarah Hayton, who explained the reporting and contributions system.  The presentations also covered the types of claims that could be submitted for compensation and the admissibility criteria adopted by 1992 Fund Member States and applied when assessing claims.  Reference was made to various case studies and previous incidents.

In July 2020, the coast of Mauritius was hit by the MV Wakashio oil spill, which resulted in significant pollution damage. Since the spill was bunker oil and the ship was not a tanker, this incident did not fall under either of the 1992 Conventions.  However, it highlighted the risk and consequences of a major spill on the marine environment.