Japan accedes to the Bunker Convention and the Wreck Removal Convention, in force from 1 October 2020

On 1 July, 2020, Japan deposited its instruments of accession to the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001, and the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007. 

Japan’s accession to the Bunker Convention will contribute to the availability of adequate, prompt, and effective compensation to persons who suffer damage caused by spills of oil, when carried as fuel in ships' bunkers, when such damage is caused in Japan, including Japan’s territorial sea and exclusive economic zones. 

Japan’s accession to the Wreck Removal Convention will contribute to the prompt and effective removal of wrecks located beyond Japan’s territorial sea.

These Conventions will enter into force for Japan three months from 1 July 2020, i.e. 1 October, 2020.