Maritime authorities and legal experts from Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Türkiye, and Ukraine have taken steps to strengthen enforcement of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) liability and compensation regime, IMO said in a statement.
The initiative followed a sub-regional workshop held in Batumi, Georgia, from 6 to 11 October, hosted by the Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia in cooperation with IMO.
The IMO liability and compensation framework aims to ensure that victims of maritime incidents receive prompt and adequate compensation while providing clear and uniform liability rules for shipowners.
The workshop focused on improving understanding and application of international conventions governing maritime liability and compensation, including the 1992 Civil Liability Convention (CLC), the 1992 Fund Convention, the 2010 HNS Convention, the 2001 Bunkers Convention, the 2007 Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention, and the 1989 Salvage Convention.
Opening the event, David Varshanidze of the Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia called on all participating Member States to accede to and implement IMO instruments on maritime liability and compensation. He said this would ensure that costs from maritime incidents are properly covered and would promote sustainable shipping, noting recent cases of inadequate compensation or lack of insurance coverage.
The workshop included presentations from IMO’s Legal and External Relations Division, the IOPC Funds Secretariat, and representatives of P & I Clubs, alongside national delegates outlining their legislative and implementation experiences.
