Visit by Saudi Arabia

On 19 March 2024, IOPC Funds Director, Gaute Sivertsen, was delighted to welcome Mr Yousef Aldossary and Mr AlFaisal Humaid, both senior officials of the Transport General Authority of Saudi Arabia, to the Funds’ offices in London.

Saudi Arabia, a prominent player in the oil industry, has observer status with the IOPC Funds and is regularly represented at meetings of the Funds’ governing bodies. The State is, however, not yet Party to the 1992 Fund Convention.

Director Sivertsen delivered a presentation that provided a brief overview of the work of the IOPC Funds and the international liability and compensation regime to the officials. He highlighted the benefits of joining the 1992 Fund and offered the Secretariat’s assistance with the necessary steps towards accession to and implementation of the 1992 Fund Convention.

His presentation also focused on the Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) by sea (2010 HNS Convention). In this regard, the Director explained the current status of the Convention and the IOPC Funds’ role in the preparations for its entry into force.

Discussions during today’s meeting were positive, with both parties agreeing on the need to maintain continued engagement, working together towards ensuring the best protection in the event of a major pollution incident.