April 2011 – IOPC Marrakesh

The latest meeting of the IOPC Funds' Governing Bodies took place in Marrakesh, Morocco, 29th March - 1 April 2011 (www.iopcfund.org).

International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPCF) - HNS Convention April 2011 The latest meeting of the IOPC Funds' Governing Bodies took place in Marrakesh, Morocco, 29th March - 1 April 2011 (www.iopcfund.org). The WLPGA holds an observer position with the IOPCF, primarily to observe progress with the Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Convention which could have a major impact on LP Gas shipping. Over 100 delegates from 46 countries attended the meetings which were hosted by the Moroccan Government and officially opened by the Minister of Energy, Mines, Water and Environment, Mme Amina Benkhadra. Morocco has a coastline in excess of 3,500km bordering on the Meditteranean and Altantic Ocean and with the Straits of Gibraltar being the second busiest seafaring lane in the world, the country has a vested interest in maintaining clean seas and safe shipping.   Director of the WLPGA, David Tyler, attended the IOPCF meetings on behalf of the WLPGA, representing the interests of the LP Gas industry in the discussions.   Work continues to finalise the protocol for the HNS Convention in conjunction with the International Maritime Organisation. David Tyler held separate discussions with the IOPCF during the week to explore ways for both organisations to work more closely together.  The IOPCF are considering an invitation to join the WLPGA as an observer body and also to participate in the Doha Forum in September 2011. The IOPCF are particularly keen to better understand the upstream part of the LP Gas business and the impact of the loading and transportation of LP Gas by ship. David Tyler, April 2011