The issue of liability arising from environmental emergencies in Antarctic waters is part of discussions at the 40th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Beijing, China (23 May – 1 June). Amongst other maritime safety and environmental protection issues, IMO is contributing to discussions on the legal aspects of the Antarctica Treaty and Protocol versus the applicability of IMO's liability and compensation regime.
This regime includes the Civil Liability Convention, Fund Convention, Bunkers Convention, Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention and Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims Convention. The Antarctic Treaty was set up by countries with an interest in the region, in 1959, to ensure peaceful use of, and freedom of scientific investigation in, the Antarctic.
Pictured: Jan de Boer of the Organization's Legal Division (right), with Dr. Manfred Reinke, Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty (centre) and José Maura, Director of the IOPC Funds (left).