A national workshop in Manila, Philippines (27–31 January) aims to boost the understanding and implementation of IMO liability and compensation regime , in particular the 2010 HNS Convention, 2001 Bunkers Convention, and 2007 Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention.
IMO's liability and compensation framework covers a range of international conventions, legal instruments and guidelines, which are vital to ensuring adequate, prompt and efficient cost recovery for victims of maritime incidents like oil spills, wreck removal, or ship collisions involving dangerous cargo or fuel, while holding shipowners, their insurers and the industry accountable.
Hosted by the Maritime and Industry Authority Department of Transportation (MARINA) of the Philippines and conducted by IMO, the workshop brings together key national agencies, including the departments of Transport, Justice, Foreign Affairs, Coast Guard, legal divisions and port authorities.
In her opening address, MARINA Administrator Ms. Sonia B. Malaluan encouraged agencies to work together in acceding to and implementing relevant IMO instruments on liability and compensation for maritime transport damage. The goal is to improve cost recovery and to enhance sustainable shipping.
Leading the sessions are a team from the IMO Secretariat, the IOPC Funds and the P&I Clubs, providing participants with a thorough understanding of the requirements of each of the conventions, their evolution, key principles and practical application.
Participants will also share presentations on the law-making process of the Philippines, exploring how IMO conventions could be further incorporated into the national legislation. These will be helpful in obtaining valuable insights into drafting national maritime legislation, including the challenges the country may face in implementing IMO instruments.
The workshop is expected to advance the ratification, implementation, and enforcement of IMO liability instruments in the Philippines. It is supported through IMO's Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP).
