Workshop on claims and compensation for Copenhagen Agreement States

The IOPC Funds contributed to a workshop on the handling of claims and compensation for oil pollution damage, organised by the Copenhagen Agreement Legal Group. The workshop, hosted by Åland’s Department of Infrastructure, took place in Åland, Finland, from 7 to 9 October 2025.

IOPC Funds’ Deputy Director and Head of the Claims Department, Ms Liliana Monsalve, and Claims Manager, Mr Matthew de Plater, joined other experts from the International Group of P&I Associations and ITOPF to address participants. Ms Monsalve delivered a comprehensive overview of the IOPC Funds’ role and operational processes, providing insight into the legal framework governing the international liability and compensation regime for ship-source oil pollution. Her presentation focused on the handling claims for compensation due to oil pollution damage or losses in the fisheries and tourism sectors, highlighting the key principles to consider prior to submission.

Mr de Plater gave a general overview of the 2010 HNS Convention, including its status, the types of damage and claims it covers, and the IOPC Funds’ role in the lead-up to its entry into force. He also addressed the presentation of claims for environmental damage within the framework of the international liability and compensation regime and the criteria applied when determining their admissibility. Participants were also taken through a case study of claims for compensation following the Princess Empress incident in the Philippines.

The Copenhagen Agreement, signed by Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, is an international treaty aimed at strengthening cooperation to prevent and respond to marine pollution.