IOPC Funds promotes 2010 HNS Convention in series of January events

Posted: 31/01/2025

As part of efforts to raise awareness of the 2010 Convention on the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) by sea, the IOPC Funds has continued to provide training and support to States considering accession to this important IMO Convention.

On 24 January 2025, IOPC Funds’ HNS Project Manager, Gillian Grant, delivered a presentation to officials of Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority and other government and industry officials, outlining the benefits of becoming a party to the Convention, the financing of the HNS Fund, the practicalities of reporting HNS cargo and the IOPC Funds’ role given the anticipated entry into force of the Convention

In the same week, IOPC Funds’ Claims Manager, Mark Homan, contributed to a regional workshop on IMO Civil Liability Conventions in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, where representatives from 14 States, including 7 1992 Fund Member States and 7 non-Member States, were in attendance. One of Mr Homan’s presentation at the event focused on the 2010 HNS Convention, during which he explained its status, how the HNS Fund will be financed, the importance of proper reporting of HNS cargo and the IOPC Funds’ role in the lead up to its entry into force.

In the week that followed, Ms Grant participated in a national workshop on liability and compensation conventions, organised by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard in Manila, the Philippines.  She provided an overview of the IOPC Funds’ role and the international liability and compensation regime for ship-source oil pollution damage before focusing on the subject of the 2010 HNS Convention. During the workshop, time was set aside to support the Philippines in understanding the treaty and to help in any preparations to accede or implement the Convention.

Twelve States must accede to the HNS Protocol for the treaty to enter into force. So far, eight States have ratified the Protocol, with many others committed to following doing the same. The 2010 HNS Convention is expected to enter into force in 2027, 18 months after the required criteria are met.