Following a number of recent incidents, the Club would like to remind Members of the hazards and procedures to be considered when working on deck in heavy weather.
702 - 06/10 - Iron Ore Imports - China
24/06/2010
The Association would like to advise Members about the current situation regarding the import of iron ore into China.
The following information has just been received from the Club's legal correspondents in Durban:-
The State of New York, USA, has issued stringent requirements regarding ballast water discharge technology under the Vessel General Permit (VGP) system that are due to come into force in January 2012.
The amendments, adopted through the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), regarding the sulphur content of any fuel used in the Baltic and North Sea Emission Control Areas
This paper gives the ICS position on the proposed amendments that changes to the insurance and liability related aspects of OPA 90 are unwarranted given that few incidents have exceeded its limits.
OPA 90's current limits for ships are realistic, adequate, allow for necessary increases, and incorporate well-tested, proactive spill response mechanisms
This paper emphasises that differences between vessels and offshore facilities under OPA are necessary and that unlimited or unreasonable liability requirements for vessels under OPA should be opposed.
In this paper the Department of Justice is advocating the revision of OPA 90 and it believes the current limits are inadequate. Although it presents its argument in the context of offshore drilling it does not exclude shipping from its scope.
Review of OPA 90: offshore drilling industry warrants different liability regime from that applicable to ship operators and comments on limitation & insurability.
This paper reviews the role of the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund and the National Pollution Funds Center. The liability limits and financial responsibility of the proposed May 12th legislative package are reviewed. The arrangements put in place by BP to meet the requirements of the OPA claims process are also reviewed.