*  PRESS RELEASE  *  PRESS RELEASE  *  PRESS RELEASE  *  PRESS RELEASE  *  PRESS RELEASE  *  PRESS RELEASE  * ICS & ISF Press Releases  2010    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005     2004     2003 18 January 2010- Somali Piracy- Governments must do more. 8 January 2010-Pandemic (H1N1) 2009- Concerns about public health interventions at seaports 21 December 2009- UN Climate Change Conference - Shipowners Regret Lack of Direction on Treatment of International Shipping 14 December 2009 - UN Climate Change Conference: Shipowner Representatives call for Global Solution for Shipping Sector, led by IMO 1 December 2009- Shipping Industry Supports Global Controls on CO2 at Copenhagen 23 November 2009- 2010 BIMCO ISF Manpower Study 10 November 2009 - New Guidance for Shippers and Containers Stuffers 4 November 2009 - Round Table Chairmen Meet In  London  27 October 2009 - International Shipping Industry Launches New Guidelines on Selling Ships for Recycling 2 October 2009 -  Shipping Industry Updates Flag State Performance Table 1 October 2009 - ICS Committed to Developing Industry Consensus on CO2 MBIS 23 September 2009 - The Rotterdam Rules - Wide Support by States at Signing Ceremony in Rotterdam 22 September 2009 - ICS Launches New Website on Shipping and CO2 9 September 2009 - ICS Executive Committee Meets in London 23 July 2009 - Shipping Industry Highlights Commitment to Reduction of CO2 Emissions 6 July 2009 - Chairmen Of The Round Table Of International Shipping Associations Meet In London 11 June 2009- ICS and ISF comment on 'Hebei Spirit' Case 21 May 2009- ICS and ISF Meet in London 24 April 2009 - 'Hebei Spirit' 11 March 2009 - ILO Minimum Wage - Joint ISF and ITF Press Release Regarding the 9th Session of the Joint IMO/ILO Ad Hoc Expert Working Group on Liability and Compensation Regarding Claims for Death, Personal Injury and Abandonment of Seafarers 16 February 2009 - ILO Minimum Wage  30 January 2009 - International Shipping Federation is 100! 15 January 2009 - Shipping Industry Welcomes Bail for Seafarers in Korea 12 December 2008 - Imprisonment of Seafarers in Korea: ICS/ISF Chairman/President Speaks Out 9 December 2008 - Industry Launches Best Practices Guidelines for Safe Transport of Containers by Sea 20 November 2008 - Round Table Chairmen’s meeting in   Beijing on 9 November, 2008 24 October 2008 - Shipping Industry Welcomes MEPS’ Action On Pirate Attacks 29 September 2008 - Pirates In Somalia Threaten Lives Of Seafarers And The Security Of World Trade - Inadequate Response By Governments Is Unacceptable Says International Shipping Industry 17 September 2008 - Shipping World in Piracy Crisis Call to IMO and UN 22 July 2008 - Shipping World Protests at Unfair Detention of Seafarers in Korea 16 June 2008 - International Symposium on Safety and Protection of the Marine Environment in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore 30 May 2008 - ICS Chairman Addresses World's Transport Ministers 21 May 2008 - ICS and ISF Meet in Athens 20 May 2008 - ICS and ISF Welcome EU Support for Global Regulation of Shipping on European Maritime Day 15 May 2008 - ICS and ISF Publish Annual Review of International Shipping Developments in Advance of Athens AGMs 17 April 2008 - ICS Chairman:  Sulphur Deal Amongst IMO’s Finest Moments 9 April 2008 - Pilots and Shipowners Produce Safety Guidance on Boarding Ladders 4 April 2008 - ICS Welcomes Provisional IMO Agreement on Sulphur Content In Marine Fuel 5 February 2008 - New ICS Environment Code 1 February 2008 - Employers and Unions Unite to Back Fair Treatment for Seafarers Following Maritime Accidents 16 January 2008 - Following the Round Table Chairmen’s Meeting, in Athens On January 10th 2008 4 December 2007 - Shipping Industry Flag State Performance Table 30 November 2007 - ICS Welcomes IMO Ballast Water Agreement 21 November 2007 - Shipping Industry Launches New Guidance on Environmental Compliance 5 November 2007 - ICS Launches Updated Bridge Procedures Guide 27 September 2007 - IMO World Maritime Day 2007 Round Table of international shipping associations marks the IMO World Maritime Day 2007 7 September 2007 - Finnish Shipowners’ Association 75th Anniversary: ICS/ISF Chairman/President Stresses Need for Competitive Shipping Industry and Commitment to High Environment Performance  19 July 2007 - Shipping industry announces interim initiative on ship recycling  17 July 2007 - ICS Frustration at IMO Inability to solve ballast water treatment dilemma 11 June 2007 - ICS and ISF Meet in Hong Kong 20 April 2007 - ICS Endorses Proposal for Sweeping IMO Study on Shps' Air Emissions 12 March 2007 - ICS Conveys Shipping Industry Concerns about Panama Canal Toll Hikes 20 February 2007 - ICS Launches Film On Internet To Promote Global Shipping Industry 6 February 2007 - ICS sets out shipping industry's approach to reducing air emissions 30 January 2007 - ICS and national shipowners' associations campaign for ratification of IMO Conventions 24 January 2007 - International Shipping Industry Supports UK Approach to Responding to Maritime Incidents 19 January 2007 - STW January 2007 12 December 2006 - ICS and ISF Comment on EU Maritime Policy Review 9 October 2006 -ISF Produces Definitive Guide for Ship Operators on New ILO Maritime Labour Convention 28 September 2006 - Shipping Industry Marks World Maritime Day with Support for IMO Model Audit Scheme, and Updated Shipping Facts Brochure 13 July 2006 - Tanker Industry Updates Fundamental Guidance on Best Practice 17 May 2006 - Secretary General of ICS and ISF 10 March 2006 - ICS and ISF Meet in Washington DC 30 March 2006 - Shipping Industry Commits to Improvement in Atmospheric Pollution Standards 23 February 2006 - ITF and ISF Hail Adoption of Seafarers' Labour Standards in New ILO "Superconvention" 14 February 2006 - Shipping Industry Issues Reminder on the Use of Oily Water Separators and Compliance with MARPOL 30 January 2006 - Industry Group Study on Incidents of Explosions on Chemical and Product Tankers I9 December 2005 - ICS Urges WTO Negotiators to Recognise Importance of Maintaining Efficient Maritime Services 2 December 2005 - Publication of the BIMCO/ISF Manpower 2005 Update 16 November 2005 - Shipping Industry Updates Flag State Performance Table on Eve of Adoption of IMO Member State Audit Scheme 14 October 2005 - ICS and ISF Express Satisfaction with Amended SUA Convention 13 October 2005 - Oil Pollution Liability – ICS Urges Governments To Reject Even ‘Limited’ CLC/Fund Revision 26 September 2005 - International Shipping - Carrier of World Trade  16 August 2005 - Shipowners Challenge Malacca Strait War Risk Zone 15 July 2005 - OCIMF and ICS Launch Revised Ship to Ship Transfer Guide 8 July 2005 - ICS Welcomes IMO Decision to Explore Electronic Ships' Documents 4 July 2005 - ICS Warns US Trading Ships About Non-Tank Vessel Response Plans 24 May 2005 - ICS and ISF Meet In Copenhagen 17 May 2005 - ICS and ISF Launch 2005 Annual Review in Conjunction with AGMs 16 February 2005 - BIMCO/ISF Manpower Update 2005 Under Way 2 February 2005 - ICS Highlights EU Threat to International Maritime Law and Reviews Continuing Security Problems 6 December 2004 - Shipping Industry Updates Flag State Performance Table 29 September 2004 - Shipping industry appeals to Colin Powell on seafarers’ shore leave 16 September 2004 - Shipping Industry Launches shippingfacts.com 14 July 2004 - Shipping Industry Unites  to Back Security and Seafarers’ Shore Leave 29 June 2004 - ICS Call for Rigour but Rationality on Eve of ISPS Code Deadline 12 May 2004 - ICS and ISF meet at Cambridge 9 March 2004 - The Continuing Plight of the 'Karachi Eight' 4 March 2004 - ICS Issues Stark Reminder to Ship Operators with ISPS Code Checklist 6 January 2004 - New Industry Guidance on Pirate Attacks to Help Ship Security Officers 24 November 2003 - Shipping Industry Launches Guidelines on Flag State Performance 7 November 2003 - ICS Launches Model Ship Security Plan 6 October 2003 - Shipowners, Shipbuilders and Classification Societies in Tripartite Dialogue "Towards a Quality and Rational Industry"  12 June 2003 - Maritime Security: Guidance for Ship Operators on the IMO International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code 14 May 2003 - ICS and ISF meet in Japan   18 January 2010 Somali Piracy- Governments Must do More. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for the merchant shipping industry with member national shipowners' associations in 33 countries representing all sectors and trades and 75% of the world merchant fleet. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has expressed its deepening frustration at the seeming impotence of the international community to address the continuing piracy crisis in the Indian Ocean, with around 1,500 seafarers having so far been taken hostage for ransom, often for months at a time, in spite of the comprehensive measures that ship operators have taken to defend their crews.[1]  “The unacceptable situation prevailing now, with seafarers lives being threatened on a daily basis - and Somali pirates still operating with impunity - cannot be allowed to continue.”  said ICS Chairman, Spyros M Polemis.   “If a similar number of aircraft passengers had been taken hostage there would undoubtedly have been a more robust response.  However, many governments seem oblivious to the fact that ships carry around 90% of world trade, and that security of major seaways is strategically vital to the functioning of the global economy.”   There is growing concern that the international community is not actively seeking to eliminate piracy and is instead treating the current level of attacks against shipping as somehow ‘tolerable’.  In effect, pirates are being given a message that their criminal activity carries very few risks in comparison to the millions of dollars that can be made from extorting ransom payments.  As a result, the number of pirates is growing, and there is real danger that, in the absence of a firm response, their methods of hijack and violent kidnapping will be successfully emulated by others elsewhere.     Notwithstanding the unprecedented degree of co-operation between the wide array of warships providing protection to ships in the region – for which the shipping industry remains very appreciative - the current level of response is simply insufficient.  It is vital that governments, at the very highest level, become far more engaged in finding a long term solution to the crisis.  “It is particularly upsetting when the main focus of some senior politicians is limited to commenting on their objections to the payment of ransoms.” said Mr Polemis.  “But given the inability of the international community to intervene in Somalia, the shipowner currently has little alternative when confronted with seafarers being held hostage.”      While the military has been successful in providing protection in the Gulf of Aden, the pirates are now operating throughout the northwest Indian Ocean.  On any given day, in an area of one million square miles, only about 12 military vessels are available to come to the aid of merchant ships under attack (and these are focused on the Gulf of Aden).  Little is being done to prevent the pirates from operating from their bases in Somalia, or to disable the ‘mother ships’ which they use to launch attacks up to 1,000 miles from the Somali coast. In addition to calling for governments to take a more strategic approach to the suppression of piracy, the shipping industry is seeking refinements to the existing military response. While the level of co-ordination amongst military forces providing protection to shipping is extremely good, it falls short of what could be achieved under a single unitary command structure.  At present ships operate under different ‘rules of engagement’, which prevents a consistent response to pirates when they are caught in the act.  United Nations Resolutions, which reiterate governments’ authority to act, are being interpreted differently by the various nations that have warships in the area.   All too often, small boats or skiffs that have conducted aborted attacks are allowed to proceed back to Somalia without military intervention.  This gives the message that the military will not see hot pursuit operations through to their natural conclusion.   Similarly, intercepted pirates are often released only to return to Somalia without being arrested and prosecuted.   A more consistent and robust approach to enforcement is required.   In cases where attacks occur hundreds of miles off the Somali coast then the skiffs must have been deployed from mother ships.  The skiffs simply do not have the endurance for operations deep into the Indian Ocean.  Why are the ‘mother ships’ not being intercepted and detained? While ICS supports efforts to establish a stable government in Somalia that can enforce the rule of law, it is widely accepted that this could take years if not decades.  It is therefore urgent that governments consider what additional steps should be taken now, and not later.   “We cannot continue to allow crews to be taken hostage, a situation which is simply unacceptable.” said Mr Polemis.  The protection of shipping from piracy - regardless of flag, or the nationality of the crew - is a clear and legitimate responsibility for governments under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.  Historically, as now embodied in international law, the primary role of navies has always been to protect merchant shipping and to keep the sea lanes open to trade.    “It is extraordinary that governments today seem less able to protect shipping than they were almost 200 years ago.” remarked Mr Polemis.   End Notes  Additional information about Somali pirates and the most recent attacks can be found at www.mschoa.org (Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa) and at www.icc-ccs.org  (ICC International Maritime Bureau).     8 January 2010   Pandemic (H1N1) 2009- Concerns about Pubic Health Interventions at Seaports The International Shipping Federation, the Association of Port Health Authorities UK,  and the Hamburg Port Health Center, Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine, Germany have joined together to express their concerns on public health interventions practiced at seaports during the pandemic Influenza (H1N1) 2009.  In late April 2009 the World Health Organization announced the emergence of a novel influenza virus. By December 2009 more than 208 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of Pandemic H1N1 2009, including more than 10,000 deaths (www.who.int).  Risk of transmission may be enhanced in crowded and semi-closed environments, due to proximity and prolonged opportunity to acquire Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection from fellow travelers who may be ill.  Therefore seafarers are recognised as a population at particular risk from the infection. WHO has currently published an interim technical advice for case management of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 on ships acknowledging the particularities of the ships’ environment as compared to general population (http://www.who.int/csr/).  While it is recognised that public health interventions at borders may play a role to delay or at least mitigate the international spread of emerging or re-emerging infectious disease, the focus with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is now on the appropriate management of sick persons.  From personal communication and newspaper reports the authors are aware that it is up to now reality in some countries that Free Practique is denied or delayed for ships where respiratory disease on board is declared.  This is inappropriate and not in line with the scope of the International Health Regulations 2005 that seafarers are denied timely medical care and assistance by port authorities in cases where Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is identified onboard vessels within their jurisdiction. The International Shipping Federation, the Association of Port Health Authorities, UK and the Hamburg Port Health Center, Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine, Germany also point to the need to grant seafarers access to vaccinations against Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus while calling in a port, wherever this is compatible with the national vaccination strategy.  Prevention and Control of Pandemic H1N1 (2009) is a joint responsibility of shipowners, Masters, port agents, port medical services, pharmacies and port health authorities. The Conventions of the International Labour Organization stipulate that seafarers are to be provided with "health protection and medical care as comparable as possible to that which is generally available to workers ashore". The Pandemic Influenza H1N1 ought not to be an exception to this humanitarian principle.   -end- BACK TO TOP   21 December 2009     UN Climate Change Conference- Shipowners Regret Lack of Direction on Treatment of International Shipping  The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for the merchant shipping industry with member national shipowners' associations in 33 countries representing all sectors and trades and 75% of the world merchant fleet.  ICS represented the international shipping industry at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) acknowledges the progress made by governments, reflected in the 'Copenhagen Accord', at the recent UN Conference in Copenhagen.  However, ICS is disappointed that the text of the Accord is silent on the treatment of international shipping in the delivery of further CO2 emission reductions, to which the industry remains firmly committed.   For the moment at least, UNFCCC has been unable to agree a clear mandate for the industry's regulator, the United Nation's International Maritime Organization (IMO), on how to build upon the considerable work already undertaken by IMO on a package of technical, operational and economic measures for reducing shipping's emissions on a global basis - a mandate strongly advocated by the shipping industry. In particular, it remains unclear how the Kyoto Protocol principle of 'Common But Differentiated Responsibility' (CBDR) should be reconciled with the important need for global rules on CO2 reductions for the carriage of world trade – about 90% of which is carried by ships (acknowledged as the most carbon efficient mode of commercial transport).   Shipping is a uniquely international industry that can only work efficiently when operating within a framework of uniform global regulation that applies equally to all ships regardless of flag.  CBDR, at least at ship or company level, will simply not work without the possibility of 'carbon leakage', given that around 65% of the world fleet is currently registered with ‘Non-Annex I’ nations under the existing Kyoto Protocol.    The shipping industry is still firmly committed to helping IMO develop a global solution for shipping on CO2 at the next meeting of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee in March 2010.   But it is vital for all governments to understand that, in the absence of a global package agreed by IMO, there is a serious risk that some countries will develop unilateral measures to regulate at national or regional level the CO2 emissions of ships trading internationally.  Such unilateral measures would likely result in serious market distortions and - most importantly - be far less effective in ensuring the reduction of CO2 emissions by the global shipping sector as a whole.  (end) Note Additional information (including graphs and images) about the efforts by the shipping industry to reduce CO2 emissions can be found at www.shippingandco2.org.      -end- BACK TO TOP 14 December 2009 UN Climate Change Conference: Shipowner Representatives call for Global Solution led by IMO The international shipping industry – which transports about 90% of world trade - is committed to playing its part in reducing it emissions and mitigating climate change.   On Friday 11 December 2009, BIMCO (and its President Robert Lorenz-Meyer) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) hosted a special side event for participants at the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen (COP 15).  Senior shipowners’ representatives explained current efforts to further improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions from ships, using new technology and operational measures. The event was also supported by the shipping industry’s global regulator, the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO), INTERTANKO, and Green Ship of the Future.  The event presented the consensus, throughout the global shipping industry, that the most effective means of reducing ships’ CO2 emissions will be for the Copenhagen Conference to give IMO a mandate to finalise the comprehensive package of technical and economic measures which it has already developed.   IMO will be best placed to apply these to all ships in international trade, rather than only to the 35% of the world fleet that is currently registered with nations that are Kyoto Annex I countries.   The shipping industry representatives also explained the vital importance of governments avoiding ‘carbon leakage’ from within the shipping sector.  IMO has a successful track record of delivering environmental standards for ships that are enforced worldwide, as for example the recent IMO agreement to reduce ships’ sulphur emissions and nitrous oxides (another Green House Gas) dramatically and on a global basis. Notes Additional information (including graphs and images) about the efforts by the shipping industry to reduce CO2 emissions can be found at www.shippingandco2.org.  The International Maritime Organization (IMO) package of measures agreed in July 2009 (and which if given a mandate by Copenhagen will be fully developed by 2011) includes: Development of a system of energy efficiency design indexing for new ships (similar in concept to the ratings applied to cars and electrical appliances). A template for a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for use by all ships.  The SEEMP allows companies and ships to monitor and improve performance with regard to various factors that may contribute to CO2 emissions.  These include improved voyage planning; speed management; weather routing; optimizing engine power, use of rudders and propellers; hull maintenance and use of different fuel types. The ingredients for possible economic measures that could be applied globally to shipping in order to encourage emission reductions.  Agreement of key principles for the development of regulations on CO2 from ships, such as the need for the same measures to apply regardless of a ship’s flag and to be of genuine environmental benefit. (end)   1 December 2009 Shipping Industry Supports Global Controls on CO2 at Copenhagen The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for shipowners, with a membership of 33 national shipowners’ associations representing all sectors and trades and about 75% of the world merchant fleet. In the final run up to the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, ICS and its member national shipowners’ associations have issued a strong statement in support of global measures being adopted to reduce shipping’s CO2 emissions significantly. There is consensus amongst the global shipping industry, which transports about 90% of world trade – as well as most of the world’s transport ministries – that the most effective means of reducing CO2 emissions by ships will be for the Copenhagen Conference to give the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) a mandate to finalize the comprehensive package of technical and economic measures which it has already developed.   IMO will be best placed to apply these to all ships in international trade, rather than only to the 35% of the world fleet that is currently registered with nations that are Kyoto Annex I countries.   It is vital that governments avoid ‘carbon leakage’ from within the shipping sector, and IMO has a successful track record of delivering environment standards for ships that are enforced worldwide.  (Additional information can be found at www.shippingandco2.org)  ICS notes that the European Union is seeking agreement in Copenhagen for a very ambitious reduction of 20% in emissions by the global shipping sector by 2020 from a 2005 baseline.   While it is also noted that aviation, which is currently some 30 times less carbon efficient than shipping is being asked by the EU to cut its emissions by only 10%, the international shipping industry is committed to achieving whatever global target may be set for shipping by governments, provided that the same standards will apply to all ships trading internationally.  However, any targets for the shipping sector should ideally be set by IMO, which will be better equipped to take account of factors such as the predicted expansion of demand for shipping services, which is directly related to the long term growth of the world economy over which the industry has no control.  While ICS accepts that there be may a need for some form of global Market Based Instrument to encourage emission reductions (such as a fuel levy, an emissions trading scheme or a combination of the two) the industry firmly believes that it will be best left for governments, working at IMO, to determine the most effective economic mechanism, and which will have the best chance of being applied on a uniform and global basis and delivering maximum environmental benefit.      End Notes: Additional information (including graphs and images) about the efforts by the shipping industry to reduce CO2 emissions can be found at www.shippingandco2.org.  The International Maritime Organization (IMO) package of measures agreed in July 2009 (and which if given a mandate by Copenhagen will be fully developed by 2011) includes: Development of a system of energy efficiency design indexing for new ships (similar in concept to the ratings applied to cars and electrical appliances). A template for a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for use by all ships.  The SEEMP allows companies and ships to monitor and improve performance with regard to various factors that may contribute to CO2 emissions.  These include improved voyage planning; speed management; weather routing; optimising engine power, use of rudders and propellers; hull maintenance and use of different fuel types.   The ingredients for possible economic measures that could be applied globally to shipping in order to encourage emission reductions.  Agreement of key principles for the development of regulations on CO2 from ships, such as the need for the same measures to apply regardless of a ship’s flag and to be of genuine environmental benefit.       -end- BACK TO TOP   23 November 2009 2010 BIMCO ISF Manpower Study It has been 20 years since BIMCO and ISF first decided to conduct the original 1990 BIMCO/ISF Manpower study and both parties have recently decided to launch a 2010 update. The Manpower study is the most comprehensive worldwide assessment of the global supply and demand for merchant seafarers.  Now more than ever the current economic difficulties facing the industry and the increasing pressures being placed on seafarers such as Piracy and Criminalisation make it timely to conduct a survey to identify what needs to be put in place for the future to secure a healthy pool of seafarers in the short, medium and long term. Hence, BIMCO and ISF believe it is appropriate to re-examine the world-wide manpower situation to assess the impact that these and other developments have had on manpower supply and demand.  The 2010 Manpower study will have two main outputs: ·        The present worldwide supply and demand situation for seafarers; and ·        The likely supply and demand balance of seafarers in the years to come. Warwick University in the United Kingdom will act as the primary research institute for the study and in recognition of the growing importance of Asia, Dalian Maritime University, China will also be a member of the project team.  Further Statements may be issued at strategic points during the survey and the results are expected to be published at the end of 2010, the IMO year of the Seafarer.     -end- BACK TO TOP   10 November 2009 New Guidance for Shippers and Containers Stuffers The International and Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the World Shipping Council (WSC) have published new industry guidance for shippers and container stuffers concerning the safe transport of containers by sea.  Significantly, the guidance is supported by the Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF) whose membership comprises regional shippers' bodies from Asia, Africa, Europe and North America While ICS and WSC acknowledge that the primary responsibility for the safe transport of containers by sea rests with containership operators, they highlight the importance of other parties playing their part - including shippers from whom cargo originates.  Particular emphasis is given in the Guidelines to the responsibilities of those involved with the correct packing, labelling and weighing of cargoes when they are stuffed into containers; activities which have a direct bearing on the safety of ships and reduction of risks to the lives of ship’s crews and other personnel in the transport chain.  The Guidance is extracted from ‘Safe Transport of Containers by Sea – Guidelines on Best Practices’ – which was published by ICS and WSC late last year.  The Industry Guidance for Shippers and Container Stuffers is being distributed free of charge throughout the global shipping industry and can be downloaded at www.marisec.org/containers   Notes: ICS is the principal international trade association concerned with the operational safety of ships in all sectors and trades. WSC represents the world's leading container shipping lines. GSF membership comprises regional shippers’ bodies                                          -end- BACK TO TOP 4 November 2009 Round Table Chairmen Meet In London The Chairmen of the Round Table of international shipping associations (BIMCO, International Chamber of Shipping/International Shipping Federation, INTERTANKO and INTERCARGO) met in London this week to discuss a number of matters considered to be crucially important for the Shipping Industry.  The following were the resulting agreed positions. Climate Change and Green House Gas Emissions from Shipping It is hoped that the UNFCCC meeting in Copenhagen in December 2009 (COP 15) will adopt a new agreement respected by all States worldwide. Over the course of many years, shipping has demonstrably increased its own efficiency and that of the overall supply chain in the service of world trade and continues to strive for continuous improvement. It was re-affirmed that any CO2 emission reduction measures to be applied to shipping should only be designed and implemented through the International Maritime Organization (IMO).  The prime objective of any such measures should be direct environmental benefit.  Furthermore, all such measures should be recognised on a truly international basis and be applied to all ships in international trade, regardless of flag.  Maintaining a level playing field is fundamentally important in order to achieve genuine environmental benefit.  Any measure should be analysed by IMO to ensure that there is no inadvertent adverse impact on the growth in world trade or on competition within the industry. Piracy The International Shipping Associations wish to record their deep appreciation to the United Nations, the IMO, individual Governments and their navies for all of the actions taken to protect seafarers and shipping and to keep vital international trade routes open and secure. However, despite these efforts, piracy continues in the watersoff the Somali coast.  Governments are urged to agree on tougher measures to safeguard international shipping.  These measures should include the search for land based solutions and a more robust approach to prosecution and conviction of pirates, through amendments to national law in all States concerned and under existing treaty obligations. The shipping industry itself bears a heavy responsibility to assure the safety of those on ships, and the international associations re-iterate their view that complete compliance with the widely circulated Best Management Practice (BMP) is an absolute pre-requisite for all ships navigating through the ‘at risk’ areas in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin. Shipping should do, and is doing, all it can to help combat piracy, but it is the obligation of governments to ensure the freedom of the high seas, to reserve them for peaceful purpose and to assure the freedom of navigation. The industry also recognises that piracy remains a scourge in other locations including the Gulf of Guinea and elsewhere, indicating a need for a global perspective and response. Criminalisation and Fair Treatment of Seafarers The four associations expressed their firmly held view that the Shipping Industry abhors the unwarranted criminalisation of seafarers in any jurisdiction. Port and Coastal State Authorities worldwide are urged to respect the IMO/ILO Guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers in the Event of a Maritime Accident.  It is feared that recruitment and retention of seafarers is being negatively affected by criminalisation, and unfair treatment. All governments are urged to respect the rule of law where everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.  There should be no imprisonment or detention of seafarers without charges having been brought and/or without trial; seafarers are not criminals.  An accident is not a deliberate act, neither is negligence to be viewed as wilful misconduct.  Respect for international law is paramount. Profile of the Industry The International Shipping Industry has a record of continuous improvement in reducing oil pollution, increasing safety, increasing the quality of ships and services, reducing serious accidents, while at the same time the global fleet has increased substantially with over 50,000 ocean going vessels covering some 500 billion tonne miles every day, carrying about 90% of world trade in the most environmentally friendly fashion and at remarkably low unit costs. The fact that virtually all cargoes of raw materials and finished goods are delivered safely and on time is not considered newsworthy and hence finds no place in the public consciousness. The Shipping Industry continues its traditional engagement, both operationally and financially, in the training and education of seafarers, in a continuing effort to enhance the professionalism of shipping people worldwide, at sea and ashore. The safety aspects of shipping, its environmental performance, and the welfare of seafarers have been well regulated through the remarkable achievements of the International Maritime Organization. -end- For more details please contact: BIMCO - Peter Grube, pg@bimco.org  Tel: +45 44 36 6800 www.bimco.dk ICS/ISF - Simon Bennett, simon.bennett@marisec.org Tel: +44 20 7417 8844 www.marisec.org   INTERCARGO - Rob Lomas, rob.lomas@intercargo.org Tel: +44 20 7977 7036 www.intercargo.org   INTERTANKO – Bill Box, bill.box@intertanko.com Tel: +44 20 7977 7023 www.intertanko.com BACK TO TOP   27 October 2009 International Shipping Industry Launches New Guidelines on Selling Ships for Recycling The Industry Working Group on Ship Recycling (which comprises ICS, BIMCO, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, IPTA, OCIMF, IACS and ITF) has published new ‘Guidelines on Transitional Measures for Shipowners Selling Ships for Recycling’.    The Guidelines are intended to help improve safety and environmental conditions in recycling yards in advance of the entry into force of the new IMO Convention on Ship Recycling, which was adopted in Hong Kong in May. The shipping industry Guidelines reflect the new ‘cradle to grave’ responsibilities of shipowners and ship recyclers, from the time of a ship’s construction to its final demolition, and explain the various actions that will be required, and which should be approved by flag states and authorities in ship recycling nations.  In particular, the Guidelines encourage the preparation and maintenance of inventories of hazardous materials, in order to reduce risks to the safety and health of workers in ship recycling yards.  They also recommend, in advance of the Convention coming into force, that shipowners endeavour to sell their redundant ships only to recycling facilities that meet the new IMO standards.    In the process of recycling ships that have reached the end of their working life almost nothing goes to waste.  Ship recycling is undoubtedly a green industry and employs a large workforce in developing countries, the majority of ship recycling facilities being located in Asia.   However, while the principles of ship recycling may be sound, the working practices and environmental standards in some recycling yards can sometimes fall short of internationally acceptable standards.   The shipping industry therefore believes that adherence by shipowners to its ‘Transitional Measures’ should be regarded as a sign of good faith.  The Guidelines represent the commitment of the shipping industry to implementing the new global recycling standards prior to the entry into force of the IMO Convention, which the industry hopes will be ratified as soon as possible.  The ‘Guidelines on Transitional Measures for Shipowners Selling Ships for Recycling’ are being distributed – free of charge – throughout the global shipping industry, and copies can be downloaded at www.marisec.org/recycling. -end- BACK TO TOP 2 October 2009 Shipping Industry Updates Flag State Performance Table The Round Table of international associations (BIMCO, International Chamber of Shipping/International Shipping Federation, INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO) have published their latest ‘Shipping Industry Flag State Performance Table’, which is updated on an annual basis. The updated table can be downloaded at www.marisec.org/flag-performance The Table, which accompanies the well established ‘Shipping Industry Guidelines on Flag State Performance’, summarises essentially factual information, derived from the public domain.  The intention is to provide a general appreciation of a flag’s performance and to encourage ship operators to examine whether a flag has substance before using it. The vast majority of the world fleet is registered with flag states which, the Table demonstrates, take their responsibilities very seriously.  Most flag states have ratified most of the key International Maritime Organization (IMO) Conventions, the adequate enforcement of which is shown by their Port State Control records.  That said, there is always room for further improvement, as shown by the small number of black ‘blobs’ (or potential negative performance indicators) which most flags continue to receive from this factual assessment. The list of the very worst performing flags, which the Round Table believes shipowners should think very carefully about before using, includes: Albania, Bolivia, Cambodia, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Georgia, Honduras, Lebanon, St Kitts and Nevis, Sao Tome, and Sierra Leone. The Table (and accompanying Guidelines) are intended to serve as a complement to the Voluntary IMO Member State Audit Scheme, by which maritime administrations are subject to external audit under the auspices of IMO with regard to their implementation of IMO Conventions relevant to safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment.  The shipping industry associations welcome the decision, taken in principle by the IMO Council in July, that the IMO audit scheme should in due course become mandatory. -end- For more details please contact: BIMCO - Peter Grube, pg@bimco.org  Tel: +45 44 36 6800 www.bimco.dk ICS/ISF - Simon Bennett, simon.bennett@marisec.org Tel: +44 20 7417 8844 www.marisec.org   INTERCARGO - Rob Lomas, rob.lomas@intercargo.org Tel: +44 20 7977 7036 www.intercargo.org   INTERTANKO – Bill Box, bill.box@intertanko.com Tel: +44 20 7977 7023 www.intertanko.com BACK TO TOP   1 October 2009 ICS Committed to Developing Industry Consensus on CO2 MBIS The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for shipowners, with a membership of 33 national shipowners’ associations representing all sectors and trades and about 75% of the world merchant fleet. Market Based Instruments (MBI) are widely expected to form part of the comprehensive package for reducing shipping’s CO2 emissions that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will develop during 2010 (subject to IMO being given a mandate to finalise its work by the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen). The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) reaffirms its commitment to developing a consensus among its member national shipowner associations about possible Market Based Instruments (MBI) to help reduce the shipping industry’s CO2 emissions, in order to present a common international industry position with governments, at IMO and UNFCCC, during the complex negotiations in the months ahead.  This is an extremely complex task given the wide range of national perspectives on the issue, and differences of approach between large and small companies, and the extent to which individual companies may perceive the impact of various options on their own commercial operations.  Moreover, many of the proposals for MBI that have so far been suggested - whether by governments or within the industry - are largely conceptual, and still do not contain enough practical detail, about how they would operate in practice, to fully assess their impact.   The task of ICS, however, is to represent the best interests of the international shipping industry as whole.    Over a year ago the ICS Executive Committee established a high level working group which is continuing to examine the ‘pros and cons’ of various options for MBI, including a possible fuel levy, emission trading schemes, or some hybrid combination of the two.   It has never been the intention of ICS to seek to reach agreement on a single preferred MBI; during recent discussions real progress has been made towards a consensus on the essential characteristics of any MBI for shipping, i.e. that it should be ‘flag neutral’ in its effect to avoid distorting markets, simple to administer and provide overall environmental benefit in respect of climate change.  Above all, any MBI for shipping must be acceptable to all IMO Member States, including those that are non-Annex I nations under the existing Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change.    Many ICS member associations have publically expressed a preference for one form of MBI or another.  There are actually remarkable similarities between those proposals based on a levy and those based on some form of emission trading, and the diversity of views is  an  indication of the complexity involved in finding a solution that is fit for purpose and capable of offering real CO2 emissions reduction. ICS will continue to pursue its role as an ‘honest broker’, providing considered comment, from a global industry perspective, on implications of proposals that may be made by governments in the months ahead, both in terms of their impact on shipping and in terms of their likely environmental benefit. Meanwhile, the immediate priority for ICS and its member national associations is to persuade government negotiators attending the UNFCCC Conference, in Copenhagen in December, that IMO should be given a mandate to complete its important work, on technical measures to reduce CO2 as well as possible MBIs. Additional information about the efforts by the shipping industry to reduce CO2 emissions can be found at www.shippingandco2.org.  - end - BACK TO TOP 23 September 2009 The Rotterdam Rules Wide Support by States at Signing Ceremony in Rotterdam Rotterdam 23 September 2009 Today has been an historic step for the new UNCITRAL Convention on the Carriage of Goods (Wholly or Partly) by Sea.  Indeed, no fewer than 15 States, including 5 EU Member States, have explicitly expressed support by signing this Convention at the occasion of a signing ceremony in Rotterdam.  A number of other countries have indicated their intention to sign or accede to the Convention at a later date.  The UNCITRAL Convention will, from now on, be known as the “Rotterdam Rules”.  The signing of the Rotterdam Rules comes after the approval of these rules by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law in July 2008 – following seven years of intensive international negotiations and their adoption by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2008. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), BIMCO and the World Shipping Council (WSC) are very pleased with the significant level of support given by so many States, including EU Member States, the United States and many other States representing between them shipper and carrier interests.  The reasons to sign and thereafter ratify the Rotterdam Rules are clear.  The Rotterdam Rules will: Provide legal certainty and uniformity with regard to the carriage of goods by sea and connected transport.  With about 90% of world trade being transported by sea on some 50,000 merchant ships that trade internationally and transport all types of cargo, shipping is a truly global industry that needs to be governed by widely accepted international rules;   Modernise the liability regimes that currently apply to the carriage of goods by sea;   Cover multimodal carriage of goods that involve a sea leg while respecting existing unimodal conventions which also regulate multimodal transports in some aspects;   Address gaps that presently exist, including the important introduction of provisions to facilitate e-commerce; Strike a balance between the interests of shipowners and shippers in terms of liabilities and the allocation of risks between both parties, a feature that is recognised by shipowners and shippers, including major European shippers.  By signing the Rotterdam Rules today, the States are leading the way towards achieving international uniformity and will give strong encouragement to other States also to sign the new Convention.  It is hoped that by the same token, it will discourage those decision-makers contemplating national or regional rules on cargo liability which would seriously militate against the very purpose of the Rotterdam Rules, namely, to achieve real global uniformity.   But it is equally vital that all States, after signing the Rotterdam Rules, also ratify the convention soonest so as to ensure their early entry into force.  This is imperative to obtain uniform, harmonised and modernised rules on cargo liability at international level. And it is the only way to avoid divisive and contradictory national and regional legislation.  A rapid ratification of the new regime by major trading nations, such as the US, will determine the shape of international transport law for most important markets in maritime commerce and will pave the way to achieve the worldwide uniformity definitely needed in the 21st century.  The opportunity presented by the Rotterdam Rules to establish international  uniformity for maritime and multimodal transport of cargo, to the benefit of international and European trade and transport, must not be missed.  ICS, ECSA, BIMCO, WSC therefore call upon States which have not yet signed the Rotterdam Rules, including some EU Member States, to sign the Convention and urge all States to ratify and apply these rules as soon as possible.  There is no global uniform alternative for those seeking a real international solution. - end - Notes: ICS, ECSA and BIMCO and WSC are international trade associations that collectively represent about 90% of the global shipping industry.  The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) represent the world’s national shipowners’ associations.  BIMCO has a wide international membership of individual shipping companies, operating the majority of the world merchant fleet in all sectors and trades. The World Shipping Council (WSC) represents the interests of global containership operators.  BACK TO TOP 22 September 2009   ICS LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE ON SHIPPING AND CO2 The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), which is the principal global trade association for shipowners, has launched a new internet website – www.shippingandco2.org. The purpose of the site is to explain what the shipping industry and its regulator - the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) - are doing to deliver a significant reduction in shipping’s CO2 emissions. The launch of the site coincides with IMO World Maritime Day (24 September) - the theme of which is ‘Climate Change - A Challenge for IMO Too’. The ICS website explains that the consensus of opinion within the shipping industry is that it may be possible for ships to reduce CO2 emitted per tonne kilometre by perhaps 15%-20% by 2020, through a combination of technological and operational developments aimed at reducing fuel consumption.  In the longer term, advances in alternative fuel technologies may deliver further improvements. Shipping is already the most carbon efficient mode of commercial transport, about 30 times more efficient than air freight.  However, the shipping industry fully accepts that the CO2 emissions reduction that ships must aim to achieve should be at least as ambitious as the emissions reduction agreed under any new United Nations Climate Change Convention, which will be discussed in Copenhagen, in December. The website explains that shipping is an inherently international industry which depends on a global regulatory framework to operate efficiently, and that meaningful reductions in CO2 emissions will be best achieved if nations agree that the development of detailed measures for shipping should be directed by governments at IMO - but in line with the outcomes agreed for the sector under any new UN Climate Change Convention. The website also contains information about the development of Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plans, potential Market Based Instruments, and other resources relevant to shipping and CO2 emissions reduction.  In addition, the site includes a video explaining the relationship between shipping and world trade, as well as links to general information about shipping and its environmental performance. - end - Note:  The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) comprises national shipowners’ associations from 33 countries and represents about 75% of the world merchant fleet.  ICS enjoys consultative status with the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).  BACK TO TOP 9 September 2009 ICS Executive Committee Meets in London London 9 September 2009 The Executive Committee of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), which is the principal international trade association for international merchant shipowners, met in London yesterday (8 September). CO2 Emission Reductions  In the run up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference, in Copenhagen in December, the Committee expressed satisfaction with the real progress already made by governments, at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in developing a package of measures to reduce shipping’s CO2 emissions, with an agreed timetable for adoption. ICS confirmed the industry belief that the achievement of meaningful CO2 emissions reductions will best be achieved if nations agree that the development of detailed measures for the international merchant fleet are directed by governments at IMO, but in line with the outcomes on global CO2 reduction that will hopefully be agreed by the UN in Copenhagen.  “All the ingredients are there, we just need UNFCCC to provide IMO with a continuing mandate to complete its important work.” said ICS Chairman Spyros M Polemis. “Most governments recognise that emissions from international shipping cannot be attributed to any particular national economy.” explained Mr Polemis.  “The delivery of significant emissions reductions will therefore require that any measures adopted for shipping are applied on a global and uniform basis in order to avoid any ‘carbon leakage’.  Such measures can only be realistically delivered by IMO, which has a successful track record in producing international rules for shipping that are enforced worldwide.”  The Executive Committee agreed that ICS member national associations would, between now and December, liaise with their government negotiators attending the UN Copenhagen Conference to ensure that they fully understand the characteristics of the shipping industry and the substantial measures already being taken, by the industry and IMO, to reduce carbon emissions from ships.       Additional information about shipping and CO2 emission reduction can be found at www.shippingandco2.org. Piracy ICS members expressed their continuing appreciation of the determination shown by naval forces providing protection to merchant ships that continue to be attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia and in the Indian Ocean. “However”, warned Mr Polemis “while the current levels of military protection must be sustained, or better still increased, there is a danger that the current arrangements may become ‘institutionalised’.  We agreed that some serious new strategic thinking is needed if governments are to suppress piracy in the near future.  While we support efforts to establish a stable government in Somalia, this could well take years if not decades.  The unacceptable situation prevailing now, where the lives of seafarers are threatened on a daily basis, and many pirates still operate more or less with impunity, cannot be allowed to continue.”            Criminalisation of Seafarers The ICS Executive Committee reviewed the development of a campaign to change governments’ attitudes towards criminalising seafarers for accidental pollution in violation of international law, and it was agreed that the ICS Chairman should write to governments highlighting the industry’s continuing concerns.  It was also agreed that ICS should continue to intervene, as appropriate, in individual cases, such as those involving the prolonged detention of seafarers without charge following accidents. Mr. Polemis added “We agreed that national shipowners’ associations should continue to urge all governments to adhere to the IMO/ILO Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers in the Event of a Maritime Accident, to provide the legitimate protection which seafarers deserve.” - end - BACK TO TOP 23 July 2009 Shipping Industry Highlights Commitment to Reduction of CO2 Emissions London – 23 July 2009 In advance of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (in Copenhagen in December 2009), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) - and its member national shipowners’ associations - have launched a new campaign to highlight the global shipping industry’s firm commitment to reducing emissions of carbon dioxide.  As part of the campaign, and to coincide with the next round of pre-Conference UNFCCC negotiations (to be held in Bonn from 10 August), ICS has produced a new brochure – Shipping, World Trade and the Reduction of CO2 Emissions.   The ICS brochure explains what the shipping industry and its regulator - the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) - are doing to deliver a significant reduction in shipping’s emissions. The consensus of opinion within the industry is that it may be possible for ships to reduce CO2 emitted per tonne kilometre by perhaps 15%-20% by 2020, through a combination of technological and operational developments aimed at reducing fuel consumption.  In the longer term, advances in alternative fuel technologies may deliver further improvements. Shipping is already the most carbon efficient mode of commercial transport, about 30 times more efficient than air freight.  But it is fully recognised that CO2 emissions from the industry as a whole - some 3% of all global emissions - are comparable to those of a major national economy.  The shipping industry accepts that the CO2 emissions reduction which ships must aim to achieve should be at least as ambitious as the emissions reduction agreed under any new United Nations Climate Change Convention. ICS Chairman, Spyros M Polemis, explained: “Shipping is an inherently international industry which depends on a global regulatory framework to operate efficiently.  Otherwise there would be chaos and serious inefficiency.  The shipping industry believes that the achievement of meaningful reductions in CO2 emissions will be best achieved if nations agree that the development of detailed measures for shipping should be directed by governments at the International Maritime Organization - but respecting the outcomes agreed for the sector under any new UN Climate Change Convention.” “IMO has an impressive track record of adopting standards for shipping that are applied equally throughout the world, delivering maximum environmental improvement.” added Mr Polemis.   The shipping industry argues that the current Kyoto Protocol concept of ‘common but differentiated responsibility’ cannot be practically applied to shipping without the danger of significant ‘carbon leakage’.  Only about 35% of the world merchant fleet is registered in Kyoto Annex I countries which are currently committed to meeting the emissions reduction targets agreed in 1997. “We fear that failure in Copenhagen , by UNFCCC, to agree that IMO should be given a mandate for delivering a CO2 reduction regime for shipping will greatly reduce the ability of the shipping sector as a whole to reduce its emissions.” said Mr Polemis. In the next few weeks and months, ICS member national shipowners’ associations will be doing all they can to inform their government representatives at the UNFCCC negotiations that IMO needs to be permitted to continue leading the development of measures for shipping. “International shipping does not lend itself to inclusion in national emissions targets.” said Mr Polemis.  “A ship may be registered in one country while the beneficial owner of the ship may be located in another.  The cargo carried by the ship will be of economic benefit to a variety of different importing and exporting nations.” - end - BACK TO TOP   6 July 2009 Chairmen Of The Round Table Of International Shipping Associations Meet In London The Chairmen of the Round Table associations (BIMCO, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, ICS/ISF) met in London last week.  The main topics that were discussed were the following: Piracy The Chairmen were unanimous in expressing their continuing concern about piracy attacks off the coast of Somalia , in the Indian Ocean, and elsewhere, and they urge all governments to support, through the United Nations, the development of a stable government in Somalia which can address the problem of pirates operating from that country.  While this seemingly represents the only viable long term solution, for the foreseeable future, it is vital, given the ongoing number of attacks involving the kidnapping of ships’ crews, that current levels of military protection are as a minimum sustained or preferably increased.  The security of world trade, on which the prosperity of people of all nations depend, can only be guaranteed if the merchant fleet is assured safe passage through international waters, with proper protection provided for ships and the seafarers on board by governments. CO2 Emissions The Chairmen also discussed the importance of the industry giving full support to international efforts being taken to reduce CO2 emissions from ships.  While shipping only contributes around 3pct of global CO2 emissions, the Round Table associations are fully committed to ensuring that the industry plays its part in the fight against climate change. The Round Table fully supports the development of an appropriate package of measures through the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and strongly urges the UNFCCC, at its climate change conference in Copenhagen in December, to direct IMO to lead the continuation of that work.  The associations will continue to support the package of technical and operational measures to reduce CO2 emissions currently being developed at IMO (except for any mandatory application of the Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator as all the main parameters contained in the Indicator often are outside the control of the shipowner).  In the event that governments decide to proceed with the application of economic measures as a means to deliver emission reductions, the associations are ready to engage in discussions of the practical implications of such measures to ensure that they meet a number of guiding principles.  These include the requirement that they are flag neutral, do not distort competition, are able to achieve the expected benefits, and that they are compatible with the expected expansion of world trade which the shipping industry exists to serve. Recruitment The Chairmen also agreed on a strategy document setting out the approach of the Round Table associations towards recruitment, training and retention of seafarers. This is in parallel to the ‘Go to Sea’ campaign launched by the IMO Secretary General last year. The strategy focuses on the role which the international associations can play in making a career at sea more attractive (including opportunities to continue careers on shore), further improving the seafarers’ life onboard modern ships (which should be considered a home away from home) as well as promoting the benefits of a career at sea to young people throughout the world. Fair Treatment and Criminalisation of Seafarers The Chairmen also agreed to urge all governments to adhere to the IMO/ILO fair treatment guidelines for seafarers and to re-examine their approach to the criminalisation of seafarers, especially as it concerns their Human Rights and the presumption of innocence which is one of the most basic principles of all democratic societies. Better Consultation, Better and More Effective Regulations The meeting inter alia also covered other issues, such as the need for governments to consult the International Shipping Industry on a continuous basis in a much more structured manner and before positions become entrenched, so that better more effective regulations are enacted. The Chairmen reiterated the absolute need for rules to be international through the UN Agency, the International Maritime Organization, and not regional or local. Finally, they stressed the need for more public awareness of the importance of the Shipping Industry to world trade, but also to the creation of global wealth and prosperity. - end - BACK TO TOP     11 June 2009 ICS AND ISF COMMENT ON 'HEBEI SPIRIT' CASE The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) are delighted that the master and chief officer of the 'Hebei Spirit' will finally be allowed to return home to their families following a decision by the Korean courts that they were innocent of the charge of vessel destruction during the oil spill in 2007, when a floating crane barge collided with their oil tanker.  However, ICS and ISF are disappointed that the charge of causing pollution was not overturned and the innocent verdict of the Court of First Instance reinstated.   More generally, ICS and ISF remain very concerned about the impact on serving officers of cases where seafarers have been imprisoned or detained for lengthy periods following maritime incidents, contrary to the principles in the MARPOL and Law of the Sea Conventions.  Seafarers deserve the security of uniformity and certainty as to how their conduct and actions will be determined by local courts, based on internationally agreed standards, so they know where they stand.  What is required is a change in the current political climate. At their recent Annual Meetings, ICS and ISF member national shipowners' associations agreed to consider how best to conduct a new campaign, and seek allies amongst governments, to achieve a change in current attitudes towards the unwarranted punishment of seafarers for unintentional pollution. - end - BACK TO TOP   21 May 2009 ICS AND ISF MEET IN LONDON The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) held their Annual Meetings in London, from 18-20 May, at the invitation of the UK Chamber of Shipping.  The representatives of national shipowners’ associations, from the membership of 40 countries, discussed a number of important issues of concern to this major global industry. The meetings coincided with the Centenary of ISF (the principal international maritime employers’ organisation for shipowners) which held its first meeting in London, in May 1909. REDUCING SHIPPING'S CO2 EMISSIONS ICS reiterated its commitment to helping governments at the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) deliver a package of proposals for reducing the global shipping industry’s CO2 emissions, for consideration by the UNFCCC climate change Conference in December 2009.  “We very much hope that UNFCCC will agree that the development and management of detailed measures for shipping should be directed by IMO.  As the industry’s global regulator, IMO has successfully delivered an agreement on reducing pollutant emissions such as sulphur from ships, an issue just as complicated as CO2 but on which an impressive global consensus has been achieved.” said ICS Chairman/ISF President Spyros M Polemis.   “There is agreement that the IMO package should include measures to improve fuel efficiency, such as the efficiency indexing of new ships and the use of Ship Efficiency Management Plans by all ships.” said Mr Polemis.  “ICS has also prepared a detailed analysis of the net environmental benefits and commercial implications of the various economic measures that have been proposed by governments as possible means of encouraging emission reductions.  This paper will be considered at the crucial meeting of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee in July.”   “Whatever is decided it must be applied globally, both for the sake of the environment and the efficiency of an industry that transports 90% of global trade.  Above all, it must not inadvertently divert the transportation of cargo from shipping to far less carbon efficient forms of transport, such as roads or aviation.”    PIRACY ICS/ISF national shipowners’ associations called on governments to extend existing political mandates for the naval protection against pirates provided to merchant shipping in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.  “Even if attacks by Somali pirates can be suppressed, current levels of military protection must be sustained or increased.  At the moment, despite the impressive efforts of navies, attacks are still increasing in frequency, with about 300 seafarers currently being held hostage. Governments need to recognise that protecting one the world’s most strategically vital sea lanes will be a serious ongoing commitment for the foreseeable future.” said Mr Polemis. The ICS/ISF meetings repeated their opposition to the use of armed private security guards being carried on merchant ships but discussed the possibility of having qualified military personnel on board in cases where a shipowner’s risk assessment may indicate such a requirement.  “Our position remains that, in our view, the use of firearms by civilians will escalate the threat to seafarers’ lives, which is our number one concern.” said Mr Polemis. At a dinner held at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich on 20 May, to celebrate the Centenary of ISF, Mr Polemis thanked the Chief of Staff of EU NAVFOR, Captain Richard Farrington, for the ‘commitment and courage’ of the various naval personnel protecting merchant shipping in this terrible piracy black spot. ROTTERDAM RULES ON TRANSPORT AND CARGO LIABILITY National shipowners’ associations endorsed an ICS campaign to encourage governments to ratify the new Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly last year.  It will be formally signed by governments at a ceremony in the Netherlands in September 2009, and will then be known as the ‘Rotterdam Rules’. Mr Polemis explained: “Our meetings concluded that, although far from perfect, the new cargo liability regime must be promoted by the industry in the interests of international uniformity and to avoid the risk of a proliferation of regional regulations.  Our national associations have agreed to encourage their governments to attend the signing ceremony in Rotterdam and sign the Convention in order to signal their intent to ratify as soon as possible” He added “It is very disappointing that the European Commission is proceeding with the development of a regional EU cargo liability regime that will undermine the Rotterdam Rules and global uniformity.  We have agreed that European ICS Members will encourage EU Member States to resist the Commission’s proposals and ratify the Rotterdam Rules as soon as possible.”  ELECTIONS The meetings elected Mr Masamichi Morooka (Japan) and Mr Trygve Seglem (Norway) as ICS Vice Chairmen for 2009/10, and Captain Dirk Fry (Cyprus) and Mr Carlos Salinas (Philippines) as ISF Vice Presidents. Mr Spyros Polemis (Greece), re-elected in 2008, remains in office as Chairman of ICS and President of ISF. The 2010 ICS/ISF AGMs will be hosted by the Singapore Shipping Association in April 2010. - end - Notes: ICS is the principal international trade association for shipowners, ISF is the principal international maritime employers’ organisation. The organisations represent all sectors and trades and about 80% of the world merchant fleet. More information on the above and other issues is available in the ICS and ISF Annual Review 2009, which has just been published. Information about the ISF Centenary can be found in ISF1909-2009 -  Representing Maritime Employers for 100 Years, a commemorative book published to coincide with the Annual Meetings. BACK TO TOP   24 April 2009 'HEBEI SPIRIT’ The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) are very pleased that the master and chief officer of the ‘Hebei Spirit’ have been spared further imprisonment following yesterday’s decision by the Korean Supreme Court that they are innocent of the charge of vessel destruction, based upon which imprisonment was imposed by the Daejeon District Court of Appeal.  We understand that pursuant to the Korean legal system requirements this aspect of the case will now be referred back to the Daejeon District Court to endorse the Supreme Court’s findings.  We hope that the lower court will decide the matter promptly, and that in the interim the seafarers will be able to return home to their families in India. However, we are disappointed that the Supreme Court did not reinstate the innocent verdict of the First Instance Court with regard to the charge of causing pollution.  We remain at a loss to understand how the two officers of the tanker, which was at anchor when it was struck by the crane barge, could be guilty of causing pollution but will reserve further comment on this aspect until we have seen the Supreme Court’s judgement. More generally, we remain deeply concerned about the impact on serving officers and potential recruits of this case, and other cases where seafarers have been imprisoned or detained for lengthy periods sometimes without charge following maritime incidents.  There seems to be an increasing tendency on the part of coastal States to impose criminal sanctions for accidental pollution when there has been no intentional or wilful misconduct.  This in contrary to the principles in the international Law of the Sea and MARPOL treaties, to which States have subscribed.  Seafarers are exposed to a variety of legal jurisdictions in the service of world trade, and have no control over where their ships will trade.  They deserve the security of uniformity and certainty as to how their conduct and actions will be determined by local courts, based on the internationally agreed standards, so they know where they stand. - end - BACK TO TOP   11 March 2009 Joint ISF and ITF Press Release Regarding the 9th Session of the Joint IMO/ILO Ad Hoc Expert Working Group on Liability and Compensation Regarding Claims for Death, Personal Injury and Abandonment of Seafarers The International Shipping Federation (ISF) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) are pleased to announce that agreement has been reached on principles for a mandatory solution to the matters of liability and compensation regarding claims for death, personal injury and abandonment of Seafarers at a specially convened Joint ILO/IMO meeting in Geneva between 2 – 6 March 2009. The proposal which is subject to approval of the IMO Legal Committee and ILO governing body is to amend the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 when it enters into force and to add text in regard of these two important issues.  A set of principles have been identified which will be transposed into finalized text at a later date.  Both parties believe that a historic agreement has been reached which should play a major role in transforming the industry into a profession of choice.  It is also hoped that this will encourage new entrants into the industry. - end – Note The International Shipping Federation (ISF) is the principal international trade association and employers' organisation for ship operators. ISF membership comprises national shipowners' associations in 45 countries representing the majority of the world's merchant shipping tonnage. For more details please see www.marisec.org.  The ITF represents 604 trade unions in 137 countries. For more details please see www.itf.org.uk BACK TO TOP 16 February 2009 ILO Minimum Wage Discussions 2009 The International Shipping Federation (ISF) in its capacity as Shipowner Group representative body at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Geneva participated last week in talks with the International Transport Federation for reviewing the figure of the ILO Minimum Wage for Able Seafarers. These talks had been scheduled following previous discussions in February 2006. The Shipowners group outlined that given the current global economic crisis they were extremely concerned about the consequences for the shipping industry in the near future. Therefore the industry was unable to agree upon any changes in the present level of the minimum wages at this point of time or in the short term, if circumstances remain poor. However Shipowners are willing to reconsider at any given time if the contours of the economic situation show any improvements. Both parties recognised the difficulties posed by the current economic situation and the need for safeguarding jobs for seafarers, but unfortunately failed to agree on a way forward in the near future. The Shipowner Group maintained that they are willing to reopen discussions as and when the global economic situation stabilizes or otherwise to meet again in February next year. The International Shipping Federation remain committed towards the principle of the ILO Minimum Wage for Able Seafarers as embedded in ILO Recommendation 109 and within the Maritime Labour Convention 2006.  In the meantime the figure of US $545 which came into effect on 31 December 2008 remains in place. - end – Note International Shipping Federation (ISF) The principal international employers’ organisation for shipowners, whose membership comprises national shipowner and employer associations, through which structure it can uniquely and legitimately claim to speak for a significant majority of employers in international shipping. The aim of ISF is to promote and represent the interests of shipowners and operators in matters pertaining to labour affairs, manning and training, and seafarers’ welfare, within the international shipping industry.  Its role of social partner at ILO gives it a specific platform to undertake these activities on behalf of the industry. The International Labour Organization (ILO) The tripartite UN agency that brings together governments, employers and workers of its member states in common action to promote decent work throughout the world. The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 An important new international labour Convention adopted by the International Labour Conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in February 2006 in Geneva, Switzerland.  It sets out seafarers’ rights to decent conditions of work and helps to create conditions of fair competition for shipowners.  It is intended to be globally applicable, easily understandable, readily updatable and uniformly enforced. It has been designed to become a global legal instrument that, once it enters into force, will be the “fourth pillar” of the international regulatory regime for quality shipping, The Seafarers Wages, Hours of Work and the Manning of Ships Recommendation No 187 (1996) The mechanism for setting the minimum wage for able seafarers. The ILO minimum wage takes into consideration a formula which reflects changes in consumer prices and exchange rates against the US dollar in 49 maritime countries and areas.  Application of Recommendation No. 187 is not mandatory unless a government chooses to make it so through legislation. It is nevertheless used by shipowners and trade unions in setting wage scales. The mechanism is the only one in the ILO for setting the basic monthly wage for any industry. BACK TO TOP 30 January 2009 International Shipping Federation is 100! The International Shipping Federation (ISF) is celebrating its 100th anniversary throughout this year, having been established as the principal international employers’ organisation for shipowners in 1909! To launch its Centenary, ISF has produced a special brochure - highlighting the organisation’s achievements and identifying immediate priorities in the year ahead.  These include: the promotion and implementation of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, expected to enter into force in the next two years; the completion of the current International Maritime Organization (IMO) review of the STCW (seafarers’ training) Convention; as well as measures to increase the worldwide recruitment and training of the next generation of seafarers, in support of IMO’s ‘Go to Sea!’ campaign. At a special event at the ISF offices, in London today (30 January), to start off the celebrations, ISF President, Spyros M Polemis, remarked. "The membership of ISF today comprises national shipowners’ associations from over 30 countries, which represent all sectors and trades of the shipping industry and about 75% of the world merchant fleet.  The primary interests of ISF remain labour affairs and industrial relations, manpower and training, and seafarers’ welfare. Since the early 1920s, ISF has been proud to be the official ‘social partner’ of the International Labour Organization, where shipping enjoys the unique ILO ‘maritime machinery’ for developing international employment standards.  ISF co-ordinated the representation of maritime employers at the first special Maritime Labour Conference in 1920, and still continues in this role, similarly co-ordinating shipowner representation at the ground breaking ILO Maritime Labour Conference of 2006.           ISF was also amongst the very first industry organisations to gain consultative status with the International Maritime Organization in 1961.  In more recent years, ISF has also been very closely engaged with training standards, and has represented maritime employers at the major Diplomatic Conferences which adopted, and then radically revised, the IMO Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.  Indeed, next week, ISF will be back at IMO leading employers’ input into the latest review of the STCW Convention."  At the launch of the Centenary celebrations, ISF also gave an advance preview of a new international careers promotion film aimed at young people, and endorsed by IMO as part of its ‘Go to Sea!’ campaign.  The DVD film, which will be translated into several languages, will be distributed free of charge via ISF's member national shipowners' associations in the next few weeks. -end- BACK TO TOP 15 January 2009 Shipping Industry Welcomes Bail for Seafarers in Korea The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF), which lodged a letter of support for bail with the Supreme Court of the Republic of Korea at the end of last year, have greatly welcomed the Court's decision to grant bail, and release from prison, two merchant foreign ship's officers.  The crew members of the oil tanker ‘Hebei Spirit’ were sentenced to imprisonment, in December, by a lower court, for their alleged contribution to a major oil spill in late 2007. This legal decision has fuelled the shipping industry’s deep concern about the criminalization of seafarers who engage in the transportation of around 90% of world trade. While enjoying good co-operation from the Korean maritime administration and the Korea Shipowners’ Association, ICS and ISF fully appreciate the independence of the Korean judiciary from the government.  Based on the facts of the case, ICS and ISF are hopeful that the Supreme Court will now make the correct decision when it rules on the seafarers' appeal, in order that they are spared from further imprisonment and allowed to return to their families in India.  ICS/ISF also acknowledge that due process, under Korean law, is being followed, and that every effort is being made by the Korean authorities to adhere to the international principles enshrined in the IMO/ILO Guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers in the Event of a Maritime Accident.  The decision to release the ship's officers from prison is fully consistent with these Guidelines, adopted in 2006, which ICS and ISF helped to negotiate with governments at IMO and ILO.     With the officers now released on bail, ICS and ISF look forward to a similarly positive outcome of the hearing of the appeal before the Supreme Court.  -end- Note   The ‘Hebei Spirit’ was at anchor when she was rammed by a barge that had broken free, and yet the officers from the anchored vessel have somehow now ended up in jail.  Whatever the legal arguments, the international shipping industry has found it hard to comprehend such an outcome and has been concerned about the disincentive it gives to follow a career at sea in the service of world trade.  Note   ICS and ISF are the principal international trade association and employers’ federation for the global shipping industry, representing 80% percent of the world merchant fleet and with a membership of national shipowners’ associations in 40 countries. BACK TO TOP 12 December 2008 Imprisonment of Seafarers in Korea:  ICS/ISF Chairman/President Speaks Out London - The Chairman/President of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF), Mr Spyros M Polemis, has expressed serious concern about the imprisonment, by a Korean court this week, of two Indian merchant seafarers.  "The decision by the Korean Court to imprison the two officers of the HEBEI SPIRIT is very regrettable indeed, and it further adds to the concerns that the Shipping Industry has about the criminalisation of seafarers in general. The HEBEI SPIRIT was at anchor when she was rammed by a barge that had broken free of her moorings, and yet the officers from the anchored vessel have somehow now ended up in jail.  Whatever the legal arguments, the international shipping industry - for whom we speak - cannot comprehend such an outcome. Coupled with recent high profile attacks on ships by armed pirate gangs, who are true criminals, the decision to imprison these seafarers can only be a further disincentive to follow a career at sea in the service of world trade.   This incident highlights the need for the world's seafaring nations to stand up and take notice.  The world expects - in fact it takes for granted - that the Shipping Industry will provide a seamless, efficient and effective delivery of goods. Shipowners cannot therefore remain unresponsive to the imprisonment of two of their seafarers who provide this service worldwide.  Without our seafarers, and the ships they serve on, the world would literally come to a stop.  If all of the world's nations are to continue to expect the Shipping Industry to provide this service, then equally, and as a minimum, the seafarers expect to be treated fairly and with respect.   This incident also highlights the fact that, in the course of providing this important service, seafarers are exposed to the vagaries of different national laws, with some jurisdictions imposing criminal sanctions for oil pollution even when there is no intentional or wilful misconduct. There is a real need for uniformity based on the internationally agreed MARPOL standards so that seafarers know where they stand. All nations should be deeply concerned about the impact of this decision on recruitment to the Maritime profession at a time when there is a growing shortage of well-trained and qualified sea-going personnel. We stand together, united, with all seafarers in their efforts to free these two officers as soon as possible." -end- Note ICS and ISF are the international trade association and employers’ organisation for ship operators, with a membership comprising national shipowners’ associations from 44 countries. MARPOL is the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships.   BACK TO TOP   9 December 2008 Industry Launches Best Practices Guidelines for Safe Transport of Containers by Sea London - The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the World Shipping Council (WSC) have published 'Safe Transport of Containers by Sea, Guidelines on Industry Best Practices’, with a view to minimising the dangers to containerships, their crews, and all personnel involved with containers throughout the transport chain.   The new Guide has been developed by an expert international industry working group in response to recent incidents involving containerships, most notably the collapse of a stack of containers on board the ‘Annabella’ and issues arising from the loss of the ‘MSC Napoli’, as identified by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch and submitted for consideration by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) last year.  ICS Marine Director, Peter Hinchliffe , explained: “The primary responsibility for the safe transport of containers by sea rests with containership operators.  But there are many other parties in the transport chain concerned with the safe movement of containers.  There are those employed by shipping lines involved with the booking and assignment of cargoes, and the subsequent arrangements for stowage planning; and there are the freight forwarders, ports and terminal operators and - particularly important - the shippers, from whom the cargo originates.  All of these players have important responsibilities which are addressed by these new industry Guidelines.” Peter Hinchliffe added: “The safety record of the containership industry is impressive and has progressively improved during the last 20 years.  But when incidents still occur, the root cause normally involves a failure to comply with existing international rules, or else results from a failure to follow established procedures which this new Guide seeks to reiterate in a readily digestible form.” Particular emphasis is given by the new ICS/WSC Guidelines to the responsibilities of those involved with the correct packing, labelling and weighing of cargoes when they are stuffed into containers, and the accurate declaration of the goods by cargo interests.  The Guidelines also address the safe handling and stowage of containers when they are received by a port facility and are loaded on board a ship, the latter requiring complex planning, calculations, and the use of sophisticated computer systems.  The Guidelines also cover the maintenance and inspection of the containers themselves.  All of these activities have a direct bearing on the safety of ships and the reduction of the risks to the lives of ships’ crews and other personnel in the transport chain. Lars Kjaer, Senior Vice President of the World Shipping Council, remarked: “The new Guidelines provide a comprehensive and consolidated list of effective best practices in one place to provide a useful resource that should be of benefit to all concerned with the safe transport of containers.” He added: “It is particularly important for shippers to understand the extreme forces to which containerships are exposed at sea, and the extent to which risks are increased dramatically if a container is stuffed incorrectly.  It is vital for shippers to adhere to weight restrictions and to ensure that cargoes cannot shift within the container.  It is also important for them to provide accurate and timely documentation and to properly label dangerous cargo. These guidelines also recognise that container weight should be verified by marine terminal operators before vessel loading.  By knowing accurate container weight, vessel and cargo safety is greatly enhanced.” Notes  'Safe Transport of Containers by Sea, Guidelines on Industry Best Practices' is published by Marisec Publications (see www.marisec.org/pubs) and is available from maritime booksellers.  ICS is the principal international trade assocation concerned with the operational safety of ships in all sectors and trades. WSC represents the worlds’s leading container shipping lines. BACK TO TOP   20 November 2008 Round Table Chairmen’s meeting in Beijing on 9 November, 2008 In connection with a recent Shipping Industry meeting in Beijing the four Chairmen of the Round Table of international shipping associations (RT) which comprises BIMCO, ICS, Intercargo and INTERTANKO, met to discuss issues of common interest including piracy, the plight of the “Hebei Spirit” and practical measures to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions from ships. The state of lawlessness and recent escalation of piracy attacks in the Gulf of Aden is of enormous concern to the international shipping industry. The RT supports and commends those States that have provided warships to operate in the Gulf of Aden . The presence of these ships is believed to have already had a mitigating effect against pirate attacks although recent events indicate that the warships are too few and too far apart.  There is a fundamental need for coordination in the use of Navy ships and airborne surveyance and support. The Round Table reaffirmed its opposition to the use of armed guards onboard merchant ships as it was likely to lead to an escalation in the level of violence associated with these attacks, and even more importantly, it would most likely put the crews in harms way. The RT Chairmen urged shipowners to stringently follow recommended passive defensive measures when transiting the area, to maintain contact with the naval authorities as well as reporting any attacks or suspicious activities to the International Maritime Bureau. The RT Chairmen expressed great dismay over the continuing detention of the two officers from the “Hebei Spirit” in Korea despite having been found innocent of all charges by the Korean Court in June 2008. At a recent session of the IMO Legal Committee, the RT had joined forces with the International Group of P&I Clubs and the International Transport Workers’ Federation to deliver a statement conveying the industry’s great concern at the continued detention of the two ship’s officers of the “Hebei Spirit”. The RT maintains that the detention appears to be contrary to the principles established in the joint IMO/ILO Guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers in the Event of a Maritime Accident.  One  topical item covered was the industry’s response to the challenge of  Greenhouse Gases – GHG - in relation to shipping. The Chairmen noted that many shipowners had already undertaken measures to reduce GHG emissions but agreed that there were technical, operational as well as commercial issues that required further investigation. They reaffirmed that the associations will continue to be actively engaged in the GHG debate. The Chairmen reiterated their associations’ support in principle for the Energy Efficiency Design Index for new vessels being developed at IMO, and the RT would be engaged in further debate on its method of application and in the gathering of data to test the formula. The RT has also been active in putting forward at IMO the concept of a ‘Ship Efficiency Management Plan’, (SEMP), to promote best practice in reducing CO2 emissions from existing vessels.  A voluntary ‘Operational Index’, was an integral part of the SEMP and would provide the mechanism for shipping companies to work with the other stakeholders, such as charterers, shippers, ports and terminals, to monitor for continuous improvement in the energy efficiency of their ships. -end- Notes The Round Table of international shipping associations includes BIMCO, ICS (the International Chamber of Shipping), Intercargo (The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners) and INTERTANKO (The International Association of Independent Tanker Owners). These organisations represent all segments of the industry including the owners and managers of all types of ships. Round Table press contacts: BIMCO  Peter Grube pg@bimco.org   Tel : +45 44 36 6800 Intercargo  Rob Lomas rob.lomas@intercargo.org  Tel: +44 20 7977 7036 International Chamber of Shipping Simon Bennett simon.bennett@marisec.org  Tel: +44 20 7417 2857 INTERTANKO  Bill Box bill.box@intertanko.com  Tel: +44 20 7977 7023   BACK TO TOP 24 October 2008 Shipping Industry Welcomes MEPS’ Action On Pirate Attacks   The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), which represents all sectors and trades of the world merchant fleet, has welcomed the Resolution adopted by the European Parliament (on Thursday 23 October – see Resolution, see EU press release) concerning pirate attacks against shipping in the Gulf of Aden, and the call from MEPS urging EU Member States to support further action by the UN Security Council and for effective co-ordination between EU naval forces and the military vessels of other nations in the region.  ICS Secretary General, Tony Mason remarked: “This is a very welcome effort by MEPS to pursue the need for greater clarity of the international legal basis for intervention by military naval forces, which is urgently needed to tackle the Somali pirates and restore security and order to one of the world’s most critical trade arteries.  But while ICS greatly appreciates the action of the European Parliament, there is also still a need to establish a legal mechanism to arrest, try and punish acts of piracy under proper due process.”   BACK TO TOP 29 September 2008 Pirates In Somalia Threaten Lives Of Seafarers And The Security Of World Trade - Inadequate Response By Governments Is Unacceptable Says International Shipping Industry   The international shipping industry (represented by BIMCO, ICS/ISF, INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO and the International Transport Workers’ Federation) is dismayed by recent comments, attributed to leaders of the Coalition Task Force operating in the Gulf of Aden, that it is not the job of navy forces to protect merchant ships and their crews from increasingly frequent attacks from pirates operating out of Somalia.   The pirates are now attacking ships on a daily basis with machine guns and rocket propelled grenades, and currently holding over 200 seafarers hostage.  The pirates are operating with impunity, and governments stand idly by.   If civil aircraft were being hijacked on a daily basis, the response of governments would be very different.  Yet ships, which are the lifeblood of the global economy, are seemingly out of sight and out of mind.  This apparent indifference to the lives of merchant seafarers and the consequences for society at large is simply unacceptable. The shipping industry is utterly amazed that the world’s leading nations, with the naval resources at their disposal, are unable to maintain the security of one of the world’s most strategically important seaways, linking Europe to Asia via the Red Sea/Suez Canal.   Since 9/11, the international shipping industry has spent billions of dollars to comply with stringent new security requirements, agreed by the international community to address concerns about terrorism.  Yet when merchant ships – which carry 90% of world trade and keep the world economy moving - are subject to attack by violent pirates, the response of many governments is that it is not their problem and that ships should hire mercenaries to protect themselves.   The arming of merchant ships, as suggested by the Task Force, will almost certainly put the lives of ships’ crews in even greater danger and is likely to escalate the level of violence employed by the pirates.  It would also be illegal under the national law of many ships’ flag states and in many of the countries to which they are trading.      The industry understands that military resources are stretched and that the Coalition Task Force is doing what it can, consistent with current rules of engagement provided by participating governments. But the international shipping industry, in the strongest possible way, urges governments to commit the necessary navy vessels now, and to ensure they have the freedom to engage forcefully against any act of piracy in the Gulf of Aden.   Governments must issue clear rules of engagement to allow naval forces to intercept and take appropriate action against  these violent pirates, and the oceangoing ‘motherships’ from which the pirates are operating, as permitted by UN Security Council Resolution 1816, of 2 June 2008, and existing international law about the rights of States to repress criminal acts on the high seas.   Governments must also ensure that these pirates and armed robbers, who are terrorising the high seas, are brought to justice in a court of law and are not allowed to resume their piratical activities unimpeded because of governments’ unwillingness to take the necessary action. There should be no doubt that the situation is now so serious that major shipping companies, who are currently negotiating with charterers to avoid transiting the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea/Suez Canal all together, will decide to redirect their ships via the Cape of Good Hope.  This would add several weeks to the duration of many ships’ voyages and would have severe consequences for international trade, the maintenance of inventories and the price of fuel and raw materials.  This would also affect not just those countries to which cargoes are destined but all global seaborne trade, a consequence which, in the current economic climate, must surely be avoided.   A repeat of the crisis in the early 1970s, when the Suez Canal was closed and shipping was similarly diverted around the Cape of Good Hope, must be prevented at all cost, thus this call for urgent measures now  – today and not tomorrow!   It cannot escape notice that the supply of consumer goods – the majority of which are carried from Asia to Europe via this vital sea lane - could be also seriously affected.   The international shipping industry recognises that the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO), with whom it continues to liaise daily, has acknowledged the massive severity of the problem and has similarly implored the United Nations and the UN Security Council to ensure that appropriate action is taken.  But far greater urgency is required by governments and their navies, particularly those in the Coalition Task Force who are in the best position to restore security to this critical trade artery.   We need action, not words or rhetoric.  What is at stake are the lives of merchant seafarers and the security of world trade.    -end-   Notes: UN Security Council Resolution 1816, adopted on 2 June, permits States co-operating with Somalia 's Transitional Federal Government, for a period of six months, to enter the country's territorial waters and use "all necessary means" to repress acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea, in a manner consistent with relevant provisions of international law.   The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Article 105, states ‘On the high seas, or in any other place outside the jurisdiction of any State, every State may seize a pirate ship or aircraft taken by piracy and under the control of pirates, and arrest the persons and seize the property on board’.   The rights of States to act against criminal acts at sea is reinforced by the IMO Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (SUA Convention).   Since 9/11, shipping companies and their crews have had to comply with the IMO International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, adopted in 2002, and various new cargo security requirements within the context of the World Customs Organization ‘SAFE Framework’. The cost of compliance, aimed at protecting the international community from the risk of terrorism, amounts to billions of dollars.     Additional information about the most recent pirate attacks against ships off Somalia can be found at: www.icc-ccs.org/prc/piracyreport.php General information about the international shipping industry can be found at www.shippingfacts.com   For more details please contact:   BIMCO Peter Grube pg@bimco.org Tel : +45 44 36 6800    ICS/ISF (International Chamber of Shipping/International Shipping Federation) Simon Bennett simon.bennett@marisec.org Tel : +44 20 7417 8844    INTERCARGO Rob Lomas  rob.lomas@intercargo.org Tel : +44 20 7977 7030    INTERTANKO Bill Box bill.box@intertanko.com Tel : +44 20 7977 7010    ITF  Sam Dawson dawson_sam@itf.org.uk Tel: +44 20 7940 9260 BACK TO TOP 17 September 2008 Shipping World in Piracy Crisis Call to IMO and UN The shipping world today made a crisis call to the (London-based) United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations (in New York) requesting real and immediate action against brazen acts of piracy, kidnapping and armed robbery, carried out with increasing frequency against ships in the Gulf of Aden, by pirates based in Somalia. The Round Table of international shipping associations – BIMCO, Intercargo, International Chamber of Shipping/International Shipping Federation and INTERTANKO – joined global trade union federation the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) to request the IMO Secretary-General, Mr Efthimios Mitropoulos, to use his organisation’s influence to ensure UN backing for increased naval force in order to protect the lives of seafarers and passengers as well as ships and cargoes. The shipping industry’s plea is in response to a situation which it describes as in danger of spiralling completely and irretrievably out of control.  The solution, the industry stresses, is for more nations to commit naval vessels in the area and, crucially, for them to engage effectively, actively and forcefully against any act of piracy, and to intercept and bring to justice the criminals in order to re-establish safety and security to one the world’s most strategically important seaways.  Only interception and arrests, as permitted by UN Security Council Resolution 1816, will tackle the problem, with ships currently being attacked almost every day, often involving kidnapping and hostage taking, with pirates using automatic weapons including rocket propelled grenades. In particular the industry believes there is currently a lack of political will on the part of governments to give military forces the clear rules of engagement they need, notwithstanding the mandate provided by the UN Security Council in June. The organisations have advised the IMO Secretary-General that when attacks are being mounted over 200 nautical miles from the coast by heavily armed pirates using ocean going vessels, the standard advice being issued to ships – to avoid the area, keep alert and maintain speed – is rendered redundant. The shipping industry believes that the only effective action is for the naval forces to engage actively and forcefully, as they are better armed, trained and resourced than those committing acts of piracy.  The shipping industry does not underestimate the bravery or good intentions of those manning warships in the region, but the current patrolling and hands-off approach is clearly making no difference.  They argue that while the naval forces are indeed ready to tackle the piracy problem, they need a clear signal from governments, through unequivocal rules of engagement, to do so. The shipping organisations note that some major shipping companies are already refusing to transit the Gulf of Aden while many others are understandably considering similar steps, going on to warn that continued inaction against these violent acts could prompt shipowners to redirect their ships via the Cape of Good Hope, with severe consequences for international trade, including increased prices for delivered goods. For more details please contact: ITF  Sam Dawson  dawson_sam@itf.org.uk Tel: +44 20 7940 9260 BIMCO Peter Grube  pg@bimco.org Tel : +45 44 36 6800  International Chamber of Shipping/International Shipping Federation Simon Bennett  simon.bennett@marisec.org Tel : +44 20 7417 8844  INTERCARGO Rob Lomas   rob.lomas@intercargo.org Tel : +44 20 7977 7030  INTERTANKO Bill Box  bill.box@intertanko.com Tel : +44 20 7977 7010  Notes A crisis point has now been reached, with nearly 40 hijackings taking place in the Gulf of Aden so far this year, with 133 kidnapped seafarers still being held hostage and with pirate attacks on shipping happening not even weekly or daily, but sometimes up to three times within hours.  The International Maritime Bureau, the lead recording body for piracy, estimates that over 1,200 Somalis and at least six major groups are involved.   At this moment 10 ships are being held and the industry fears for the seafarers on board. Seafarers are civilians and are entitled to protection as they go about their lawful profession. The current situation is threatening their right to life. UN Security Council Resolution 1816, adopted on 2 June, permits States co-operating with Somalia's Transitional Federal Government, for a period of six months, to enter the country's territorial waters and use "all necessary means" to repress acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea, in a manner consistent with relevant provisions of international law. Additional information about the most recent pirate attacks against ships off Somalia can be found at www.icc-ccs.org/prc/piracyreport.php BACK TO TOP   22 July 2008 Shipping World Protests at Unfair Detention of Seafarers in Korea Organisations from across the world’s shipping industry today issued a vigorous joint protest at the continuing unjust and unreasonable detention of two merchant ships’ officers from the tanker Hebei Spirit who were recently acquitted by a South Korean court as being innocent of all charges of violating the nation’s ocean pollution law, following last year’s oil spill when a floating crane collided with the Hebei Spirit. We - the Round Table of international shipping associations (BIMCO, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), International Shipping Federation (ISF), INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO), the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG), and the Hong Kong Shipowners’ Association - wish to convey to the government and authorities of the Republic of Korea our surprise, disappointment and great concern at the news that Korea’s courts have determined to continue to detain the ship’s officers, despite their acquittal, for possibly as long a year pending further hearings. Such measures appear to be unjustified, unreasonable and in contravention of the men’s rights. We strongly believe that they should be permitted to leave the country. We remind those responsible for the continued detention of Captain Jasprit Chalwa and Chief Officer Syam Chetan, that the trial determined that another vessel which had been towing the floating crane which struck the anchored tanker was wholly responsible for the incident. Despite this finding they have continued to be detained, notwithstanding their own and their employers’ assurance that, should a further trial take place, they would attend it. The two officers have been detained in Korea since 7 December and we believe from recent experience in similar cases that such continued unjust detention may well affect the physical and mental health of the two men. This could be avoided by permitting them to return home now to their families until such time as they are needed to assist any further investigation in Korea. As an industry serving international society, we remain committed to protecting the environment and to the prompt and thorough investigation of accidents at sea. We are committed to bringing to justice those involved in intentional actions that may damage the marine environment. However, we cannot and will not support the criminalisation of seafarers, nor unjust, unreasonable and unfair treatment that is contrary to the principles agreed to worldwide in the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) Guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers in the Event of a Maritime Accident. We appeal to the Government of the Republic of Korea to take the necessary action to ensure that the seafarers are immediately permitted to return to their homes. Tuesday 22 July, 2008 David Cockroft General Secretary ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation)   Andrew Bardot Executive Officer IG (International Group of P&I Clubs)   Torben C. Skaanild            Secretary General BIMCO                             Tony Mason Secretary General ICS / ISF (International Chamber of Shipping / International Shipping Federation)   Roger Holt Secretary General INTERCARGO (International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners)   Dr Peter Swift Managing Director INTERTANKO (International Association of Independent Tanker Owners)   Arthur Bowring Managing Director Hong Kong Shipowners’ Association   Main press contact:   Pat Adamson, Chairman, MTI +44 20 7823 9444 Pat.adamson@mtinetwork.com   Other press contacts: International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Sam Dawson  dawson_sam@itf.org.uk  Tel: +44 20 7940 9260 Editor’s notes BIMCO is the world’s biggest private shipping organisation, with a global outreach and membership from all around the world. As an influential and important maritime service organisation, it offers practical and tangible services to its membership which includes more than 900 owners, 1,400 brokers and more than 100 P&I Clubs and other associates. Owner members represent more than 14,000 vessels totalling 525 million dwT, or some 65% of the total cargo capacity available worldwide. The Hong Kong Shipowners Association's (HKSOA) chief purpose is to promote and to protect the interests of the Hong Kong ship owners and ship managers as well as the increasing number of local professions and services upon whom they rely in the performance of their business. ICS (International Chamber of Shipping) comprises/represents national ship owner associations worldwide, and is an international trade association for the shipping industry, representing all sectors and trades. It is involved with issues of maritime affairs, shipping policy, legal and technical matters, including ship construction, operation, safety and management, and developing best practice in the industry. The IG (International Group of P&I Clubs) consists of thirteen principal underwriting member clubs which between them provide liability cover (protection and indemnity) for approximately 90% of the world’s ocean-going tonnage.  Each Group club is an independent, non-profit making mutual insurance association, providing cover for its ship owner and charterer members against third party liabilities relating to the use and operation of ships. Each club is controlled by its members through a board of directors or committee elected from the membership. Clubs cover a wide range of liabilities including personal injury to crew, passengers and others on board, cargo loss and damage, oil pollution, wreck removal and dock damage. Clubs also provide a wide range of services to their members on claims, legal issues and loss prevention, and often play a leading role in the management of casualties. INTERCARGO (International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners) has, since 1980, represented the interests of owners, operators and managers of dry cargo shipping and works closely with the other international associations to promote a safe, high quality, efficient and profitable industry. INTERTANKO (International Association of Independent Tanker Owners) has been the voice of the independent tanker owners since 1970, representing today around 80% of the independent tanker fleet. It is a professional, efficient and respected association representing an industry dedicated to delivering a reliable, safe, responsible and competitive service transporting the liquid energy and chemicals that keep the world economy turning. It is also  a forum where the tanker industry meets, as well as being a valuable source of information, opinions and guidance for its members and associate members. ISF (International Shipping Federation) is the principal international employers’ organisation for ship owners, whose membership comprises national ship owner and employer associations. The aim of ISF is to promote and represent the interests of ship owners and operators in matters pertaining to labour affairs, manning and training, and seafarers’ welfare, within the international shipping industry.  Its role of social partner at ILO (International Labour Organization, a United Nations Agency) gives it a specific platform to undertake these activities on behalf of the industry. ITF (International Transport Workers' Federation) represents transport workers around the world and promotes their interests through global campaigning and solidarity. Hebei Spirit incident on 07.12.2007 Brief summary of position as submitted to the Korean Authorities by owners, managers and insurers. The Hebei Spirit, a 260,000 dwt, very large crude oil carrier, anchored at the location instructed by the Daesan Port on December 6, 2007 at 1918 hrs. The vessel displayed all the lights required by the collision regulations. At 0702 hrs on December 7, 2007 the Hebei Spirit was struck while still at anchor by a passing crane-carrying barge Samsung 1, which was under tow of tugs Samsung T No 5 and Samho T3. A further tug was in attendance at the stern of the crane barge. According to the local vessel traffic service records (VTS), at around 0635 hrs the tugs and barge had completely made it clear and past the Hebei Spirit, ahead of the tanker, passing from starboard to port side. There should have been no risk of any collision. At around 0651 hrs the tow line connecting Samsung T5 and the crane barge suddenly broke and the tugs lost control. As a result the crane barge began drifting back towards the Hebei Spirit due to effects of the strong winds, current and large windage of the crane. The crane- barge collided with the Hebei Spirit on her port side at around 0702 hrs, some 11 minutes later, causing punctures to the hull and release of cargo into the sea. 16 June 2008 International Symposium on Safety and Protection of the Marine Environment in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore The Nippon Foundation (NF) and the Round Table of international shipping associations (RTisa) (BIMCO, ICS, INTERCARGO & INTERTANKO) are pleased to announce a symposium in Kuala Lumpur on 24 November 2008 to discuss current positive developments in support of safety and protection of the marine environment in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. The governments of Indonesia , Malaysia and Singapore (the Littoral States), having been consulted on the objectives of the event by the organisers, have welcomed the concept and have undertaken to assist with advice on the scope of the event and with speakers. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has also expressed support for the concept of the symposium, as a means to build further on various initiatives related to the Straits of Malacca and Singapore , such as the Littoral States' Co-operative Mechanism and the IMO's Marine Electronic Highway project. Amongst the straits used for international navigation (as defined by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)), the Straits of Malacca and Singapore rank as the busiest with transiting ships carrying around one third of the world’s oil supplies and half of world trade.  The pressures of maintaining safety and protecting the natural marine environment of the Littoral States of Indonesia , Malaysia and Singapore are enormous.  The NF and RTisa reaffirm that safety and environmental protection of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore must be assured to enjoy sustainable utilisation of the seas and sustainable development of the world economy.  Appreciation is expressed for the considerable effort of the Littoral States, including the establishment of the Aids to Navigation fund, at a meeting held in April 2008 in Malaysia . The RTisa particularly welcomes the generous NF contribution of an initial sum of US$M 1.351 to this fund representing the cost of the baseline survey on which the future maintenance programme will be based. The Nippon Foundation announced last year its decision to contribute to the Aids to Navigation Fund which was proposed last year by the Littoral States and the IMO. At the IMO meeting in Singapore in September 2007, the Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, Mr Yohei Sasakawa, agreed to contribute up to a third of the cost of the new fund for the first five years. The 24 November symposium will explain the significance of the Straits in terms of global trade and benefit to the global community and why the Straits should remain safe, secure and open to navigation.  It will outline measures already in progress under the Littoral States’ Co-operative Mechanism as well making proposals on possible new areas for study and corporate social responsibility impacts on user states and on all stakeholders in the industry. Subjects to be covered will include: ·The background, history and global significance of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore ·The legal background on safety and environmental protection in straits used for international navigation, in accordance with UNCLOS ·The development by the Littoral States of the Co-operative Mechanism ·The role of user states and of industry in support of the Co-operative Mechanism ·Future developments in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore ·Corporate social responsibility Speakers will include experts in the various subjects, drawn from governments, industry and academia. The symposium will be of value to all those with an interest in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore including shipowners and operators, all stakeholders in the carriage of cargo through  the Straits, and representatives of user state governments.  The NF and RTisa are convinced that the symposium will attract a wide range of industry stakeholders interested in voluntary cooperation within the Co-operative Mechanism.  The RTisa encourages members of its constituent bodies to attend. Further details of the symposium and reception, together with registration forms, will be made available shortly, but meanwhile all those with an interest in these important topics are invited to reserve the date in their diary. For more details, please contact: BIMCO   Peter Grube, Head of Sales, Marketing and PR pg@bimco.org Tel : +45 44 366800 International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Simon Bennett, Secretary simon.bennett@marisec.org Tel: +44 20 7417 2857 INTERCARGO  Rob Lomas, Manager, Corporate Affairs and External Communications  rob.lomas@intercargo.org Tel: +44 20 7977 7036 INTERTANKO   Bill Box, Communications and Public Relations Manager bill.box@intertanko.com Tel: +44 20 7977 7023 NIPPON FOUNDATION Mitsuyuki Unno, Chief Manager, Maritime Safety Team E-mail: m_unno@ps.nippon-foundation.or.jp EDITOR’S NOTES  follow on: Straits of Malacca and Singapore– facts and figures Round Table The Nippon Foundation IMO UNCLOS Littoral States Co-operative Mechanism EDITOR’S NOTES: Straits of Malacca and Singapore– facts and figures         Passing Ships (2004) Number of ships per year   (Number of ships per day)                                    93,755                      (257) (Lloyd's data >100GT)    Tonnage (per year)         2,764 million (Gross Tonnage)   Passing Cargo (2002) Volume of Crude Oil (per day) (IEA figures) 11 million barrels Source: LMIU and Nippon Foundation Malacca transits are made by ships carrying: - 20% of World Seaborne Trade - 30% of Global Seaborne Crude Oil -  55% of Global Shipping Capacity More than 94,000 ships pass through the Straits every year, amounting to almost 4 billion tonnes dwt. That is an average of 257 ships every day. In ten years from the mid 1994 this figure grew from 75,000 vessels (+25%) and from 2.5bn dwt (+60%). This figure can only grow year on year as a reflection of the continuous growth in world trade. Further facts and figures on the Malacca Straits may be taken from a presentation made by Japan ’s Maritime Bureau. This can be obtained by clicking here. Round Table The Round Table of international shipping associations (RT) is an informal grouping of: shipping industry associations whose mission is to work together to serve, represent and advance the international shipping industry, with a vision of .a responsible and respected international shipping industry meeting the expectations of its stakeholders. By acting in concert to avoid duplication on issues of consensus, the combined effort of the Round Table can exceed the sum of the individual efforts. RT members are: BIMCO, ICS/ISF (International Chamber of Shipping/International Shipping Federation), INTERCARGO (International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners), INTERTANKO (International Association of Independent Tanker Owners). The Nippon Foundation The Nippon Foundation is a private, non-profit foundation established in 1962. The Foundation’s overall objectives include assistance for humanitarian activities, both at home and abroad, and global maritime development. Its philanthropic ideals embrace social development and self-sufficiency, and it pursues these principles by working to improve public health and education, alleviate poverty, eliminate hunger and help the disabled.   IMO The International Maritime Organization is a specialised agency of the United Nations with 167 Member States and three Associate Members, and based in the United Kingdom with around 300 international staff. The IMO's main task has been to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping and its remit today includes safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical co-operation, maritime security, and the efficiency of shipping. The IMO's specialised committees and sub-committees are the focus for the technical work to update existing legislation or develop and adopt new regulations, with meetings attended by maritime experts from Member Governments, together with those from interested intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations.   UNCLOS The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is an international agreement governing all aspects of ocean space, such as delimitation, environmental control, marine scientific research, economic and commercial activities, transfer of technology and the settlement of disputes relating to ocean matters.. It was signed on December 10, 1982 after 14 years of negotiations to which more than 150 countries representing all regions of the world participated. The Convention entered into force on November 16, 1994. As of today the Convention is ratified by 155 States.   Littoral States The Republic of Indonesia , Malaysia , the Republic of Singapore   Co-operative Mechanism The Co-operative Mechanism was conceived by the three Littoral States following a number of IMO events on safety, security and environmental protection in the straits of Malacca and Singapore . It is an opportunity for mutual cooperation and for encouraging user state and industry support through discussion and various projects. Projects include but are not limited to replacement of aids to navigation damaged by the tsunami, a complete survey of aids to navigation and wreck surveys and wreck removal 30 May 2008 ICS Chairman Addresses World's Transport Ministers Yesterday (29 May), ICS Chairman, Spyros M Polemis, addressed a meeting of the world’s transport ministers in Leipzig, held under the auspices of the OECD International Transport Forum, on the theme of transport and climate change.  The ICS Chairman participated with senior representatives of other transport sectors.  He emphasised that although shipping fully accepted the need to reduce ships’ fuel consumption and its CO2 emissions, shipping was already by far the most carbon efficient form of commercial transport, and that the world’s total carbon emissions would actually be reduced by transporting more maritime cargo by sea.  The ICS Chairman also stressed the industry’s confidence in the ability of IMO to develop solutions for reducing ships’ CO2 emissions within a global framework. 21 May 2008 ICS and ISF Meet in Athens The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) held their Annual General Meeting in Athens, from 19-21 May, at the invitation of the Union of Greek Shipowners.  The representatives of national shipowners’ associations from 40 countries discussed a number of important issues: Reduction of Shipping's CO2 Emissions (and Support for MARPOL Annex VI ‘Part B’) The world's national shipowners' associations confirmed their commitment to work with the UN International Maritime Organization ( IMO ) in the delivery of practical solutions for reducing the carbon dioxide emissions of the 50,000 ships engaged in transporting around 90% of all global trade.  Significantly, the meetings confirmed their support for the rapid development of a new and separate section to Annex VI of the IMO MARPOL Convention – a so called ‘Part B’ to address carbon emissions – which would provide the fastest means of bringing a global maritime CO2 regime into force, but without delaying the introduction of new IMO rules on sulphur emissions which are expected to be adopted, again with full industry support, in October 2008.      ICS/ISF Chairman/President, Spyros M Polemis, explained: "The critical IMO meeting on Green House Gas emissions in Oslo, at the end of June, must make real progress on developing a global framework for ships, in order to present a coherent maritime package, with realistic and practical solutions, to the next major UN Climate Change Conference, in 2009, which will debate the post-Kyoto regime. Shipping is already the most carbon efficient form of transport, but the international industry will evaluate carefully all proposals put forward by governments at IMO and will submit its own ideas - for the moment we have ruled nothing out.  However, our current focus is on exploring both short term and longer term operational and technical solutions - to reduce our emissions still further - that might be applied to both existing ships and those built in the future.  Although alternative fuel sources and innovation must play their part, our meeting confirmed that the focus of the shipping industry's immediate attention should be means of reducing fuel consumption in continuation of our longstanding search for efficiency.  With bunker prices as high as they are today, this is also a matter of enlightened self-interest." Human Element and Seafarers' Training Standards The meeting discussed various human element issues including progress with regard to the ratification by governments of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention, and preparations for important ILO meetings in September that will develop Guidelines for governments on flag state and port state control procedures for the new Convention governing seafarer’s employment standards. The meeting also considered the manpower shortage and the current IMO review of the STCW Convention governing seafarers' training and certification standards. Mr Polemis commented: "In addition to updating these important STCW rules to take account of new operational developments, it is important that the review, to which ISF is contributing on behalf of maritime employers, also looks at means of ensuring that governments only issue certificates to seafarers who actually meet the standards of competence prescribed by IMO .  This is especially important in view of the global shortage of qualified and competent ship officers. The IMO review of STCW is vital for maritime safety.  However, at a time when the demand for shipping services means that high calibre seafarers, in the numbers required, are in short supply, it is a tragedy that many seafarers, particularly from developing countries, are in effect unemployable because their training does not yet meet the rigorous IMO standards introduced ten years ago." 100% Container Scanning The meetings discussed the unilateral United States’ requirement for 100% security scanning, by 2012, of each and every in-bound maritime container, to be conducted at the port of loading overseas. Mr Polemis remarked: "Industry and governments alike are extremely concerned about the practical implications of this US measure, and its serious potential to disrupt the flow of world trade.  Apart from the huge costs and logistics involved in scanning every box loaded on a ship, such a measure would almost inevitably exacerbate port congestion, which at several container terminals around the world is already near crisis point.  We recognise that security is a very serious priority, but this can be achieved far more effectively by the US continuing to support the “risk based” approach which has been adopted by the international community at the World Customs Organization. Communication with Governments The meetings also confirmed the importance of communication and dialogue between ICS, ISF, and their member national shipowners’ associations with governments on all issues that might impact on shipping, in order to influence the outcome of regulatory discussions at IMO, ILO and other bodies such as the European Commission.   Elections Mr Spyros M Polemis was re-elected for a further two year term as Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping and as President of the International Shipping Federation. The meetings also elected Mr Robert Ho (Hong Kong) and Mr Lars Vang Christensen (Denmark) as ICS Vice Chairmen, and Mr Luis Ocejo (Mexico) and Captain Dirk Fry (Cyprus) as ISF Vice Presidents. -end- Note: The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) are respectively the international trade association and the international employers’ organisation for the shipping industry.  Their membership comprises national shipowners’ associations from 40 countries, collectively representing over 75% of the world’s merchant tonnage. Additional information about the issues discussed at the meeting, including safety, liability and shipping policy issues, can be found in the ICS/ISF Annual Review 2008, published to coincide with the ICS/ISF AGMs. 20 May 2008 ICS and ISF Welcome EU Support for Global Regulation of Shipping on European Maritime Day Speaking on European Maritime Day (Tuesday 20 May), at a reception in Athens during the Annual General Meetings of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF), attended by representatives of the worlds' national shipowners' associations, ICS/ISF Chairman/President Mr Spyros M Polemis remarked:  "At the risk of tempting fate, relations between the international industry and the European Union institutions seem to have improved, when contrasted with the situation after the losses of the Erika and the Prestige".  He added "ICS and ISF have been especially pleased by the message conveyed by the EU Maritime Policy Review “Blue Paper”, published last autumn, to the effect that the European Commission’s preference is to give IMO a chance to develop global regulations to cover international shipping.  In particular, we are very pleased by what seems to be a greater willingness on the part of the European Commission to work for global solutions on air pollution, carbon emissions and ship recycling.  However, unfortunately the threat of regional action by the EU remains, especially on the environment, and IMO - with help from the international industry - will need to ensure it delivers global rules where required." Via its national shipowners’ association members, ICS and ISF have traditionally enjoyed good relations with the maritime administrations of EU Member States, just as they do with all administrations at IMO and ILO.  However, in co-operation with the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), ICS and ISF have worked hard to improve their contacts with the various Directorates-General of the European Commission that are relevant to shipping.  In co-operation with other industry bodies, ICS and ISF have also sought to develop an improved dialogue with members of the European Parliament through the establishment of the so called Intergroup on maritime affairs, which now meets regularly in the Parliament, in Brussels and in Strasbourg . - end - NOTES:  The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) are the principal international trade association and employers' organisation for ship operators. ICS/ISF membership comprises national shipowners' associations in 40 countries representing the majority of the world's merchant shipping tonnage. For more details, please see www.marisec.org. 15 May 2008 ICS and ISF Publish Annual Review of International Shipping Developments in Advance of Athens AGMs The world’s national shipowners’ associations which comprise the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) will be holding their Annual General Meetings in Athens from 19-21 May 2008, at the invitation of the Union of Greek Shipowners.  In advance of the meetings, ICS and ISF have published their comprehensive review of maritime regulatory developments – the ICS/ISF Annual Review 2008. In the introduction to the Review, ICS/ISF Chairman/President Spyros M Polemis remarks: “For the past 12 months most shipping markets have continued to remain strong, though often extremely volatile.  The global demand for shipping services, boosted by seemingly relentless growth of  Asia , generally appears to be holding up, with a longer term expectation of continuing and dramatic expansion of shipping activity worldwide. However, the serious uncertainties surrounding the health of the US economy, questions about the availability and cost of shipping finance, and the huge amount of shipping tonnage due for delivery in the next few years, suggest that the extension of the recent bonanza enjoyed by so many shipowners cannot be taken for granted.” He added "The current economic climate may be expected to give renewed emphasis to keeping operating costs in check, not least the significantly increased price of bunker supplies and the high wages paid for quality crew, for whom the market is extremely tight." The ICS/ISF Annual Review discusses key maritime issues in 2008 including efforts to reduce shipping’s carbon emissions, the recent IMO deal to reduce the sulphur content of fuel, industry concerns about new US requirements for 100% scanning of all in bound containers, and IMO work on the updating of international rules governing seafarers training standards. The Review, which is intended to be concise but comprehensive, also covers technical and safety developments, legal and liability issues, labour affairs matters and shipping policy. Copies are being distributed free of charge by national shipowners’ associations.  -end- NOTE: The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the international trade association for the shipping industry representing all sectors of trades.  The International Shipping Federation (ISF) is the international employers’ organisation for shipowners.  Their membership comprises national shipowners’ associations from 40 countries representing over 75% of the world’s merchant tonnage. 17 April 2008 ICS Chairman: Sulphur Deal Amongst IMO’s Finest Moments Speaking at the DNV UK Maritime Forum today (Thursday 17 April), the Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, Mr Spyros M Polemis, spoke about the successful and decisive IMO agreement for reducing ships’ sulphur emissions achieved by IMO governments two weeks ago. He said that the agreement represented one of IMO’s ‘finest moments’, not only for the governments involved, who would be able to ensure the protection of the health of their citizens, but also for IMO’s system of international regulation, which was so important to the industry.  Assuming the deal is confirmed by the IMO nations in October, ICS earnestly hopes that this will be enough to satisfy the politicians – especially in North America and Europe - that there was no need for unilateral regulations at variance with the IMO regime.   Mr Polemis remarked “It has certainly confounded the sceptics who believed that IMO could not meet the challenge of delivering an agreed outcome to introduce more stringent standards for air emissions on an acceptable timescale.”  Commenting on the IMO’s proposal to progressively reduce sulphur emissions globally to the equivalent of 0.5% sulphur content in fuel by 2020, and in designated sensitive coastal areas to 0.1% sulphur content by 2015, Mr Polemis said:   “This should give the oil refiners the time they need to make the necessary investment decisions in order to ensure that the required quantities of low sulphur fuel will be readily available, at a reasonable cost.”  Mr Polemis said that ICS had been determined to ensure that the IMO regulatory solution was based on a proper scientific analysis of the net environmental benefits, and a full appreciation of the oil industry’s ability to deliver the new fuels required – something which was achieved by the work of the IMO Scientific Working Group in 2007 and which had made the recent IMO agreement possible.  He was especially pleased that the IMO agreement was consistent with the principles which ICS had advocated throughout the complex negotiations during the last 18 months: the need for goal based compliance options; the need to take account of the impact on other emissions; the need to stimulate technical innovation; and agreement on both short term and longer term goals.    Above all, said Mr Polemis, the agreement took the industry forward towards its goal of eliminating all forms of maritime pollution, globally.  -end- 9 April 2008 Pilots and Shipowners Produce Safety Guidance on Boarding Ladders The International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) has joined forces with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) to produce a new brochure aimed at shipping companies and seafarers, reminding them of the vital need to ensure that ladders used for pilot transfers are always rigged correctly. IMPA Secretary General, Nick Cutmore, explained: ‘Sadly, several pilots have lost their lives in recent years as a result of accidents while boarding or disembarking from ships, and many more have been seriously injured.  We are therefore very pleased by the support we have received from ICS and ISF, and other industry organisations, in helping to promote the message to seafarers and company management about the need to rig pilot ladders safely in accordance with SOLAS.’ ICS Marine Director, Peter Hinchliffe , added: ‘Pilots come aboard ship to assist seafarers during the most critical and demanding phases of a voyage, and its important that shipping companies and crews do everything possible to ensure their safety during transfer operations.  Two common causes of accidents are defects in the structure of the ladder treads or ropes, or a lack of a proper attachment between the ladder and the ship which the pilot is boarding.’  The new guidance is being distributed throughout the industry by the national shipowners’ and pilots’ associations that make up the memberships of ICS, ISF and IMPA.  The brochure is also supported by BIMCO, Intercargo, Intertanko, OCIMF, SIGTTO and the Nautical Institute.  An electronic copy of the brochure can be downloaded here.  -end- Notes: The International Maritime Pilots Association (IMPA) is a professional, non-profit making body, primarily concerned with promoting professional standards of pilotage worldwide in the interests of pilots’ safety. To date, it has some 8,000 members in well over 40 countries.  IMPA seeks to achieve its principal objective, the promotion of professionally sound and safe pilotage. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) are the principal international trade association and employers’ organisation for the global shipping industry, with a membership comprising national shipowners’ associations from 40 countries, representing about 75% of the world merchant fleet, in all sectors and trades. 4 April 2008 ICS Welcomes Provisional IMO Agreement on Sulphur Content In Marine Fuel Subject to consultation with its member national shipowners’ associations, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) – which represents all sectors and trades of the merchant shipping industry – has broadly welcomed the provisional agreement reached by the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO), in London today (Friday), concerning more stringent standards for sulphur content in ships’ fuel. ICS Chairman, Spyros M Polemis commented:  “This is an impressive and decisive agreement by governments at IMO which should ensure that coastal states can protect the health of their citizens while providing shipowners with the regulatory certainty needed to operate their ships on a global basis.  The ambitious timetable proposed for the introduction of low sulphur fuels - which in some coastal areas will require the use of 0.1% sulphur fuels by 2015 - will mean an unprecedented adjustment for the shipping industry, and will probably result in significant additional fuel costs.  However, the oil refiners should hopefully have the time they need to make the necessary investment decisions in order to ensure the significantly increased availability of low sulphur fuels that will be required, at reasonable cost.”    Mr Polemis emphasised: “Assuming the deal is confirmed by IMO nations in October, we earnestly hope this will be enough to satisfy the politicians – especially in North America and Europe - that there is no need to develop unilateral regulations at variance  with  the IMO regime, which would result in operational chaos.   In view of the costs to industry, it will also be important for governments to take steps to ensure that short sea shipping does not become less competitive in comparison to other transport modes which are less environmentally friendly, particular in respect of carbon emissions.”  Mr Polemis added: “It is in the nature of compromises that not every party involved may be entirely happy with the outcome, but ICS is committed to encouraging the industry to meet its side of the bargain.   We are especially pleased that the IMO agreement is consistent with the principles which ICS has advocated throughout the complex negotiations during the last 18 months: the need for goal based compliance options, the need to take account of the impact on other emissions, the need to stimulate technical innovation, and agreement on both short term and longer term goals.    Above all, this agreement takes us forward towards our goal of eliminating all forms of maritime pollution, globally.” -end- Notes: The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for the shipping industry, with a membership comprising national shipowners’ associations from 36 countries, representing about 70% of the world merchant fleet, in all sectors and trades. 5 February 2008 New ICS Environment Code The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has updated its Code of Practice on Shipping and the Environment.  The expanded 4th edition is intended to provide a concise but comprehensive summary of the environmental obligations of shipping companies as required by the latest international regulations, and a clear set of environmental standards by which companies should operate.  The Code also incorporates a recommended management framework to ensure compliance with the MARPOL Convention. ICS Secretary General, Tony Mason explained “The ICS Environment Code  also contains information about the current overall environmental performance of the industry.  As with previous editions, we hope this will prove a useful tool to help policy makers understand that shipping remains the most environmentally benign form of commercial transport.”   The new edition is available from maritime booksellers (or direct from Marisec Publications for UK £25, including worldwide airmail delivery - see www.marisec.org/pubs.) -end- 1 February 2008 Employers and Unions Unite to Back Fair Treatment for Seafarers Following Maritime Accidents   The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the International Shipping Federation (ISF) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) have joined forces in a new initiative to help protect seafarers involved in maritime accidents. The three organisations, which represent maritime employers and trade unions worldwide, announced today in London that they have united to support and promote the IMO and ILO Guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers In The Event Of A Maritime Accident. As part of the campaign the three organisations are distributing posters (supported by websites and leaflets) worldwide to show seafarers how the Guidelines can help protect them.  They are also encouraging their members -  national shipowners’ associations belonging to the ISF and ICS, and seafarers’ unions affiliated to the ITF - to approach their governments in order to promote the Guidelines and to monitor how effectively they are being implemented. ISF/ICS Secretary General, Tony Mason explained: “As responsible employers, we believe its is very important that the IMO/ILO Guidelines, which represent the internationally accepted minimum standard for the fair treatment of seafarers by investigating authorities, are indeed implemented in practice by governments.  Seafarers must be treated with dignity and respect, and given access to independent legal representation in situations where they may be interviewed or held following an accident at sea.” ITF General Secretary, David Cockroft, remarked: “The knee-jerk scapegoating of seafarers following accidents at sea is a growing concern to us all.  In recent years the response of too many national authorities has been to reach for the handcuffs first and find out what actually happened last. “Incidents like these prove how vital the Guidelines are. I’m proud to say that the ITF and ISF in their capacity as ILO ‘social partners’, with support from ICS and other industry organisations, helped to develop these Guidelines, which were the product of tripartite negotiations with governments prior to their agreement by IMO and ILO.”   Speaking at a press conference to launch the joint effort the two men displayed the Maritime Accidents. Seafarers – Be Aware! posters that the organisations are distributing for use on ships, in seafarers’ missions and in other locations around the world.  These can also be downloaded from either www.marisec.org/fairtreatment or www.itfglobal.org/fairtreatment, where the IMO/ILO Guidelines also appear in full.   Meanwhile the three organisations are sending the following letter to the Secretary-General of the IMO and the Director-General of the ILO:   To Mr E E Mitropoulos, IMO Secretary-General, and Mr Juan Somavia, ILO Director-General   1 February 2008 Dear Mr Mitropoulos and Mr Somavia, FAIR TREATMENT OF SEAFARERS FOLLOWING MARITIME ACCIDENTS We are writing with regard to a joint campaign being launched today by the International Shipping Federation (ISF), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) to promote the Guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers in the Event of a Maritime Accident, adopted by IMO and ILO in 2006.  As you are both well aware, the treatment by national authorities of seafarers unfortunate enough to be involved in maritime casualties or pollution incidents is an extremely important issue for the shipping industry, especially in the light of recent high profile cases around the world, where masters and crews have been detained by investigating authorities, apparently without adherence to proper due legal process.  It was, of course, such incidents that led to the adoption by governments of the IMO/ILO Fair Treatment Guidelines, in order to address the key responsibilities of detaining States as well as those of the vessel’s flag State and the seafarers’ country of residence.  It is therefore very important that the IMO/ILO Guidelines, which represent the internationally accepted minimum standard for the treatment of seafarers by investigating authorities, are implemented by governments, and we are now actively promoting the IMO/ILO Guidelines throughout the industry.  As part of our global campaign we are distributing posters worldwide to show seafarers how the Guidelines can help protect them, and we are encouraging our members, who of course are national maritime employers’ associations and national seafarers’ unions, to approach governments to promote the Guidelines and monitor how effectively they are being implemented.  For information, a copy of the poster drawing attention to the Guidelines is enclosed. We are sure that IMO and ILO will welcome this campaign by the industry’s social partners and our objective of ensuring that these important IMO/ILO Guidelines are indeed implemented in practice. Yours faithfully Tony Mason                                                David Cockcroft Secretary General, ICS/ISF                            General Secretary, ITF -end- For more details please contact: ITF press officer Sam Dawson  Email: dawson_sam@itf.org.uk. Tel: +44 (0)20 7940 9260 ICS/ISF spokesperson Simon Bennett Email: simon.bennett@marisec.org.Tel: +44 (0)20 7417 8844 16 January 2008 Following the Round Table Chairmen’s Meeting, in Athens On January 10th 2008 At a meeting of the four Chairmen of the Round Table industry organizations (BIMCO, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, ICS), held in Athens last week, environmental issues constituted the most important topic on the agenda. The report on the outcome of IMO's Informal Cross Government/Industry Scientific Group of Experts, established to evaluate the effects of the different fuel options proposed under the revision of MARPOL Annex VI, and its findings were welcomed and it was felt that IMO, the Secretary-General and the Chairman and members of the Group deserve to be congratulated for the speed with which such an important task was accomplished and for the fact that the deliberations, fact findings and conclusions were reached so quickly. The Round Table associations now urge the IMO Members to continue, in the same spirit, their efforts to find appropriate and pragmatic solutions within the current year 2008 that will have a net benefit on the environment on a global basis.  After a lengthy discussion on the subject, it was concluded that new and more stringent regulations for air emissions covered by Marpol Annex VI should be adopted before the end of this year, providing defined and progressive improvements to the existing standards. The Shipping Industry stands alongside IMO and is in all respects ready to assist in this process. The IMO Members are also urged to intensify their efforts to implement existing legislation by, among other things, providing reception facilities worldwide. It is unacceptable that, so many years after the regulations came into force, there are still no adequate reception facilities in a large number of ports while ports having such facilities charge excessively for their use thus deterring ships from using them. Charging for reception facilities within the overall port charges, rather than based on individual usage, would be more transparent. The four Chairmen strongly believe that the provision of reception facilities will go a long way towards eliminating operational pollution. They are also of the firm belief that governments and the Industry should work together to strive for zero pollution of the environment, both in the air and at sea. -end- For more details please contact: BIMCO   Peter Grube pg@bimco.dk Tel : +45 44 36 6800 INTERCARGO  Rob Lomas rob.lomas@intercargo.org Tel: +44 20 7977 7036 International Chamber of Shipping/International Shipping Federation Simon Bennett simon.bennett@marisec.org Tel: +44 20 7417 2857 INTERTANKO   Bill Box bill.box@intertanko.com Tel: +44 20 7977 7023   4 December 2007 Shipping Industry Flag State Performance Table The Round Table of international shipping associations (BIMCO, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)/International Shipping Federation (ISF), Intercargo and Intertanko) have updated their annual ‘Shipping Industry Flag State Performance Table’, using information in the public domain such as port state control inspection records, data on the ratification of IMO and ILO Conventions, and official reports about the use of non-IACS classification societies and quality standards with regard to seafarer competence standards.  The Table is intended to provide a general appreciation of a flag’s performance and whether further questions need to be asked by shipping companies when choosing to use particular flags. The following flags this year have 12 or more negative performance indicators: Albania , Bolivia , Cambodia , Congo , Costa Rica , Honduras , Kenya , Madagascar , Mongolia , North Korea , Sao Tome and Principe , Suriname , Syria and Thailand .  The Table can also be downloaded at www.marisec.org/flag-performance, as can the Shipping Industry Guidelines on Flag State Performance which should be read in conjunction with the Table. For more details please contact: BIMCO   Peter Grube pg@bimco.dk Tel : +45 44 36 6800 INTERCARGO  Rob Lomas rob.lomas@intercargo.org Tel: +44 20 7977 7036 International Chamber of Shipping/International Shipping Federation Simon Bennett simon.bennett@marisec.org Tel: +44 20 7417 2857 INTERTANKO   Bill Box bill.box@intertanko.com Tel: +44 20 7977 7023 -end- 30 November 2007 ICS Welcomes IMO Ballast Water Agreement The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has welcomed the agreement concluded at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly (which concluded in London this week) concerning a delay in the enforcement dates for new ships’ ballast water treatment equipment, necessitated by the 2004 Ballast Water Management Convention having not yet entered into force, and the lack of type-approved equipment.  ICS Marine Manager, David Tongue , who led ICS in the complex negotiations at IMO, remarked: “We are very pleased that the compromise proposal put forward by ICS, with helpful support from Intertanko and OCIMF, has been agreed by governments and that new ships constructed from 2009 will not be required to have the new equipment fitted until their second annual survey or end 2011, whichever is the sooner.”  IMO also agreed, as requested by ICS, that the Marine Environment Protection Committee should revisit the question of ships constructed in 2010. “A major obstacle to ratification by governments of the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention has thus hopefully been removed, and ICS will continue its campaign to see that this important Convention enters into force as soon as possible.  In the meantime, ICS members will remain committed to performing deep water ballast exchange, whenever it is safe to do so, and co-operating with voluntary coastal state requirements.” ICS has been calling on governments to address the problems associated with the development of new ballast water treatment equipment since the 2004 IMO Conference which adopted a fixed date of 2009 for its mandatory use by certain ships constructed after this date, when it was unknown if the Convention would be in force by this time, or if the required type-approved technology would be available, which it is not.  “We are especially grateful to the IMO Secretary General who proposed a draft Assembly Resolution which provided the basis of the current agreement,” added Mr Tongue of ICS. More generally, ICS has greatly welcomed the significant statement to the Assembly by the IMO Secretary General that care should be taken when laying down dates in future conventions, the implementation of which may rely, in particular, on technologies which may not be available when needed, acknowledging an issue which has been consistently highlighted by ICS for several years. -end-   21 November 2007 Shipping Industry Launches New Guidance on Environmental Compliance The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) have published new ‘Shipping Industry Guidance on Environmental Compliance’ as a template for ensuring adherence to the IMO MARPOL Convention.  The Guidance  is also supported by BIMCO, Intercargo, Intertanko, OCIMF and SIGTTO.   The Shipping Industry Guidance is also intended to satisfy environmental compliance programmes introduced by governments, such as the United States Coast Guard ‘Environmental Crimes: Voluntary Disclosure Policy’.    The Shipping Industry Guidance sets out various elements to be reviewed in order that shipping company Boards of Directors can verify full environmental compliance throughout their operations.  This includes advice on instilling corporate and individual responsibility for compliance amongst both shore based management and seagoing staff; the need for training in the vital importance of environmental compliance - including consequences of MARPOL violations such as criminal penalties and imprisonment; and the importance of proper budgeting and investment in technical equipment, auditing and reporting systems. The development of the new industry Guidance has been prompted by disappointment at the number of prosecutions for MARPOL violations which continue to be brought against shipping companies, especially in the United States, and draws upon discussions with the US authorities.  The input of the Chamber of Shipping of America and the Liberian Shipowners’ Council, which are members of ICS and ISF, has been particularly helpful in drawing up the Guidance.  The industry recommends that the management of every shipping company should thoroughly review its Safety Management Systems, as required by the IMO International Safety Management (ISM) Code, to ensure that environmental compliance is fully addressed in every respect.  It is of the utmost importance that every Board of Directors is sure that, if requested, it can verify total environmental compliance throughout the company. The Guidance also stresses that a system should be in place whereby any suspected non-compliance with environmental requirements can be reported to management without fear of retaliation against employees.   In a welcome development, the United States Coast Guard has recently made public its ‘Environmental Crimes: Voluntary Disclosure Policy’ which permits the Coast Guard to waive any criminal proceedings if a company has a documented systematic program to prevent, detect and correct violations.  There are many close parallels between the Shipping Industry Guidance on Environmental Compliance and the USCG voluntary disclosure policy.  A company operating in accordance with the Shipping Industry Guidance should be confidant that this will provide protection against criminal proceedings for any violations that the company may detect.   The Shipping Industry Guidelines on Environmental Compliance are being distributed free of charge to companies worldwide by national shipowners’ associations and other supporting organisations, but can also be downloaded here. -end-   5 November 2007 ICS Launches Updated Bridge Procedures Guide The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has published a fully updated edition of the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide, which is intended to reflect best navigational practice on ships today, in all sectors and trades.  It is strongly recommended that a copy of the Guide is carried on board every ship. “The increasing use of sophisticated navigational aids brings its own risks.” commented ICS Marine Adviser,  John Murray who, with expert advice from ICS’s member national shipowners’ associations, has co-ordinated the revision of the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide.  “The new ICS Guide therefore stresses the need for vigilance against undue reliance on new technology.” said Mr Murray. ”Experience continues to demonstrate that properly formulated procedures and the development of bridge team work are critical to maintaining a safe navigational watch.”   The ICS Guide embraces the latest internationally agreed standards and recommendations adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).  It also includes helpful bridge and emergency checklists for use by ship’s masters and navigating officers. The new edition takes account of the increased use of modern electronic charting systems, and the introduction of equipment such as Automatic Identification Systems (AIS).  Guidance concerning pilotage has also been thoroughly updated, while advice about dynamic positioning has been included. The 4th edition of the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide including an accompanying CD with “search function” version is being sold for UK £60.  It is available from maritime booksellers or visit www.marisec.orgs/pubs. -end- ICS is the principal international trade association representing the international shipping industry at fora such as IMO.  Its membership comprises national shipowners’ associations from 36 nations representing all sectors and trades and around 75% of the world’s merchant tonnage.  The previous edition of the ICS Bridge Procedures Guide was published in 1998.  The first edition was published in 1977 and has since been acknowledged as the leading best practice guidance for use by navigational watchkeepers on ships.    27 September 2007 IMO World Maritime Day 2007 Round Table of international shipping associations marks the IMO World Maritime Day 2007 President of BIMCO Mr. Philip Embiricos today pledged the continuing commitment of the global shipping industry to working alongside the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) in developing solutions to environmental challenges. Speaking for the Round Table of international shipping associations – BIMCO, ICS/ISF, Intercargo and INTERTANKO on board the HQS Wellington on the Thames in London , at an event marking the IMO’s World Maritime Day 2007, Mr Embiricos said that the industry was fully conscious of the need to make shipping even more sustainable. Even though shipping was the mode of commercial transport offering the smallest environmental footprint, the theme for the day – “IMO’s response to current environmental challenges" was an indication that more was expected of both regulators and the industry in making shipping greener still. Mr. Embiricos explained that the Round Table believed that, after many years progress in the reduction of oil pollution and others issues such as ballast water management and the elimination of TBT hull coatings, it was now necessary to complete the job of tackling atmospheric emissions - notably sulphur oxides (SOx) nitrous oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), greenhouse gas emissions and in particular CO2. The current important work in updating the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) will further limit atmospheric emissions. The Round Table organisations are closely involved with the IMO’s Scientific Group of experts, who are currently evaluating the implications of practical proposals for reducing harmful emissions from ships without negative impacts. Mr Embiricos said that “a balanced mix of technological advances and operational improvements will no doubt deliver what is needed” to tackle a range of environmental challenges facing shipping, but if world trade growth is to continue at a healthy rate, a balance between improving the environment and additional transport cost must be maintained. The shipping industry is also continuing to work with the IMO in devising practical and sound methods of ship recycling, and working to implement IMO Conventions that regulate water ballast management and the use of harmful anti-fouling coatings. Eventually, said Mr Embiricos, the Round Table believed that, the progress of this cumulative work would produce ships with minimal environmental footprints, self-contained and with virtually “zero discharges”.  Industry, technology and science working through the IMO, would, he said, succeed in these objectives. To mark the World Maritime Day, IMO and the Round Table organisations have produced a joint leaflet, telling the story of their combined efforts. It is available for download through the Shipping Facts website: www.shippingfacts.com. Notes for editors The Round Table of international shipping associations includes BIMCO, ICS (the International Chamber of Shipping), Intercargo (The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners) and INTERTANKO (The International Association of Independent Tanker Owners). These organisations represent all segments of the industry including the owners and managers of all types of ships. Round Table press contacts: BIMCO   Peter Grube pg@bimco.dk Tel : +45 44 36 6800 INTERCARGO  Rob Lomas rob.lomas@intercargo.org Tel: +44 20 7977 7036 International Chamber of Shipping/International Shipping Federation Simon Bennett simon.bennett@marisec.org Tel: +44 20 7417 2857 INTERTANKO   Bill Box bill.box@intertanko.com Tel: +44 20 7977 7023 -end- 7 September 2007 Finnish Shipowners’ Association 75th Anniversary:  ICS/ISF Chairman/President Stresses Need for Competitive Shipping Industry and Commitment to High Environment Performance  In Helsinki today (7 September 2007), Spyros M Polemis, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping and President of the International Shipping Federation, addressed leading members of the Finnish maritime community at seminar held in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of the Finnish Shipowners’ Association.  “Our mantra is global regulation for a global industry” said Mr Polemis “with consistent and enforceable rules adopted by the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization.  But collectively we must also promote best practice within the industry with regard to safety, environmental performance and labour standards – in other words, we are committed to a continuous improvement with the ultimate goal of virtually zero accidents, zero fatalities and zero pollution by ships.”    Mr Polemis remarked that after a difficult period in the 1990s, the fortunes of Finnish shipping were starting to improve.  He noted that work was now being done with the Finnish government to consider modifying the tonnage tax regime and to undertake serious discussions about improving Finnish shipping’s competitiveness. He commented: “Finland is one of the few serious maritime nations which lacks an effective tonnage tax regime, the introduction of which has brought such dividends to the competitiveness and growth of ship registers in other countries.  “This is an excellent time for Finland to take advantage of the great prospects for shipping which is predicted to continue expanding, as it responds to the demand for its services generated by the increase in world trade - 90% of which is carried by ships.  In particular Finland is ideally placed to take advantage of the growth in Russian trade, and the opportunities both in the Baltic and the Arctic Seas.” Mr Polemis remarked that intercontinental trade, the bulk transport of raw materials, and the import/export of affordable food and manufactured goods would simply not be possible without maritime transport. “But how many people outside the shipping industry stop to consider just how safe, efficient and fantastically economic maritime transport really is?”  He explained that the typical cost to the consumer in the United States of transporting crude oil from the Middle East was less than one US cent per gallon of petrol, that the cost of transporting a tonne of iron ore from Australia to Europe by sea was about ten US dollars, while the cost of shipping a bottle of Finnish vodka to China was about 20 cents. Discussing how economies of scale and technological advances had allowed the costs of shipping to decrease dramatically Mr Polemis emphasised that as the requirement for shipping services grew it was important to reflect on the impact of shipping’s activities on the environment. He stressed that ICS/ISF and its members, including the Finnish Shipowners’ Association, had actively encouraged the earliest possible entry into force of MARPOL Annex VI (the new United Nations’ International Maritime Organization rules governing stricter air emission standards from ships) and the implementation of the new Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA) in the Baltic, with its stricter local requirements for sulphur content in fuel.  He added that industry support for these rules on air emission controls was given in the full knowledge that as soon as the international regulations came into force they would immediately need to be subject to further review, and that additional, and more stringent, air emission standards for ships would need to be developed.  The latest IMO review of MARPOL Annex VI, expected to lead to updated global air emission rules in April 2008, is fully supported by the shipping industry.    -end- 19 July 2007 Shipping Industry Announces Interim Initiative on Ship Recycling The shipping industry today announced the launch of a series of important measures to promote the safe and environmentally sound recycling of end-of-life ships. Endorsed by members of the Industry Working Group on Ship Recycling (International Chamber of Shipping, BIMCO, International Association of Classification Societies, Intercargo, Intertanko, International Parcel Tankers Association, Oil Companies International Marine Forum) the document “Interim Measures” outlines five principles for shipowners to follow when selling ships for recycling.  A copy of these Interim Measures is attached and they can also be downloaded at www.marisec.org/recycling.  These principles, derived from the draft IMO Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, recommend actions which shipowners might feasibly take when selling vessels for demolition.  The measures are intended to contribute to improved recycling practices and to the development of the draft IMO Convention, and include the selection of ship recycling facilities, completion of an inventory of any hazardous materials on board and arrangements to ensure as far as possible that ships are ‘gas free’ throughout the recycling process. Detailed guidance material supporting these Interim Measures is also being developed for publication in due course and will be updated in light of industry experience and any changes to the text of the current draft Convention. Peter Hinchliffe (ICS), Chairman of the Industry Working Group on Ship Recycling, explained:  “Since the development of the Industry Code of Practice on Ship Recycling in the late nineties the shipping Industry has been committed to action on the issue of ship recycling, and we continue to support the development of the new IMO Convention.” “However, we also recognise that much work remains to be done through IMO, and that the Convention may well face a prolonged entry into force period following its eventual adoption. It is the belief of the shipping industry that all stakeholders in the recycling process should utilise that time to bring their practices up to an acceptable standard that will assist the implementation of the Convention.” Mr Hinchliffe added:  “We believe these measures are a significant step towards this end.  They identify what can, at present, be practically undertaken by shipowners who wish to sell their ships in accordance with the provisions of the draft Convention.  The key benefit of this initiative is that it will be continually updated as work on the recycling standards progresses at IMO and as we gain more experience as an industry.  It should also assist the development of the Convention by identifying what can be done both commercially and operationally.” He concluded: “Industry believes that action on the part of stakeholders and governments will be key to fulfilling the potential of the work currently being taken at IMO, and hopes that this initiative will serve to encourage similar and complementary activity throughout the recycling world." -end- 17 July 2007 ICS Frustration at IMO Inability to Solve Ballast Water Treatment Dilemma The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has expressed profound disappointment at the failure of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to agree to a delay to the introduction of new ships’ ballast water treatment equipment, at its meeting in London last week.  ICS Marine Director, Peter Hinchliffe explained: “ICS has been seeking a solution to an impossible dilemma confronting shipowners currently placing orders for many new ships, which under the terms of the 2004 Ballast Water Management Convention will be required to be fitted with special treatment equipment to eliminate nuisance aquatic species if constructed after 1 January 2009.   MEPC confirmed that once the Convention enters into force this date will apply regardless of the time when it actually comes into effect.   The problem, quite simply, is that there is still no equipment available that is officially proven to comply with the required IMO standards for treatment systems.” While the majority of governments were sympathetic to the recommendation of ICS that the date of application of Regulation D-2 should be delayed until adequate technology and equipment had been type-approved in accordance with IMO Guidelines, some governments which had already ratified the Convention decided to oppose an MEPC Resolution as the mechanism for achieving such a delay.  Without the required unanimity it was decided to postpone any decision until the next MEPC meeting in April 2008. “This will be too late to help shipowners and shipyards which already have building contracts for 2009.” said Peter Hinchliffe.  “ICS raised this issue at last year’s MEPC meeting, when it was then decided no decision could be taken for a year without further legal advice.  Now we have to wait almost another year.”  He added:  “The situation is all the more frustrating since, given the seriousness with which we take our environmental responsibilities, ICS has been actively encouraging governments to ratify the IMO Convention, as soon as possible, in order to bring it into force. “It is bizarre that while so many governments have proved unable to ratify a Convention which was meant to be so important, shipowners will be required to comply with a stringent complex new requirement which it is currently not possible to fulfil." -end-     11 June 2007 ICS and ISF Meet in Hong Kong The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) held their Annual General Meetings in Hong Kong , from 6-9 June, at the invitation of the Hong Kong Shipowners’ Association in the year of its 50th anniversary.   The representatives of national shipowners’ associations from 40 countries discussed a number of important regulatory issues:  Air Emissions and Revision of MARPOL Annex VI ICS/ISF members firmly welcomed the proposal by the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for a ‘Cross-government industry- scientific working group’ to evaluate the strategy to be adopted by IMO for further reducing ships’ air emissions.  ICS Chairman/ISF President, Spyros Polemis, explained:  “Our meetings agreed that national shipowners’ associations should strongly encourage their governments to support this helpful proposal at the important meeting of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee in July.  ‘We are very pleased that, at this stage at least, it appears to have been acknowledged that IMO should not opt for a simplistic solution without a proper analysis of the implications including, we hope, the parallel issue of CO2 emissions.  However, our meetings also recognised the urgency and political imperative of IMO adopting more stringent air emission standards as soon as possible no later than early 2008 – a point recently underlined by our discussions with the Environment Directorate of the European Commission.  We must discourage unilateral and regional action, and the IMO study must be conducted speedily to identify the best practical means for delivering maximum net environmental benefit.”      Mr. Polemis stressed:  “The long term goal of ICS and ISF members, once the technology needed is available, is near zero emissions with regard to air pollution from ships, greatly reduced CO2 emissions, and a neutral overall impact on the environment as a whole.  In the meantime, we are firmly committed to working with governments, through IMO, to deliver the best possible interim solutions.”   Limitation of Liability    The meetings confirmed the opposition of ICS/ISF to the draft EU Directive on the Civil Liability and Financial Securities of Shipowners, which would introduce more stringent rules for ships flagged in States not party to the 1996 Protocol to the IMO Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims Convention.  The draft Directive introduces ‘gross negligence’ as conduct barring limitation; and a requirement for all ships trading to Europe to furnish certificates of financial responsibility issued by EU Members States instead of P&I Clubs’ certificates of entry as required by IMO Guidelines.  Mr. Polemis remarked:  “It is very much hoped that EU Member States will continue their opposition to this ill-considered EU Directive which will dilute the ability of shipowners to limit their liability, in conflict with principles established by IMO, and which adopts the mistaken premise that unlimited liabilities will somehow make the industry safer and more responsible.  It would be wrong to confuse the concepts of liability with punishment, and to damage the tried and tested international system of compensation whereby claimants receive prompt payments without drawn out legal arguments.”   Piracy and Somalia   The meetings expressed their deep concern about the recent hijacking of the Danish flag ship “Danica White” and the kidnapping of its crew in international waters off the coast of Somalia. “Our meetings decided that I should urgently contact the IMO Secretary General about the unacceptable threat to shipping in the waters off Somalia.” said Mr. Polemis.  “We will be urging that he uses his influence to ensure that the problem of armed attacks remains high on the agenda of IMO.”   Elections   Mr. Spyros Polemis continues his current two year term as ICS/ISF Chairman/President in 2007/2008.   However, the meetings elected Mr. Michael Everard (United Kingdom) and Mr. Robert Ho (Hong Kong) as ICS Vice Chairmen, and Mr. Patrick Decavèle (France) and Mr. Luis Ocejo (Mexico) as ISF Vice Presidents.  Note:  The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) are respectively the international trade association and the international employers’ organisation for the shipping industry.  Their membership comprises national shipowners’ associations from 40 countries collectively representing over half the world’s merchant tonnage.  Additional information about the issues discussed can be found in the ICS/ISF Annual Review 2007, published to coincide with the ICS/ISF AGMs, which can be downloaded at www.marisec.org/annualreview.     -end-     20 April 2007 ICS Endorses Proposal for Sweeping IMO Study on Ships' Air Emissions The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), which represents all sectors and trades of the shipping industry and about 70% of the world merchant fleet, greatly welcomes the proposal by the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to establish a ‘Cross-government industry-scientific working group’ to evaluate the strategy to be adopted by IMO for further reducing ship’s air emissions.   ICS will be urging all of its member national shipowners’ associations to encourage their governments to support this helpful proposal at the important meeting of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee in July.   At the conclusion of the IMO Sub Committee on Bulk Liquids and Gases, at which the IMO Secretary General’s suggestion of a comprehensive study of the options for tackling air emissions was made, ICS Marine Director, Peter Hinchliffe (who led the ICS delegation to the meeting) remarked:  ‘We are very pleased that the need for a holistic approach on air emissions has been accepted and that, at this stage at least, IMO has not opted for a simplistic single  solution without a proper analysis of the implications, including the parallel issue of CO2 emissions.    The industry will look forward to contributing its knowledge and expertise to the exercise.   However, we do recognise the urgency, and the political imperative, of IMO adopting more stringent air emission standards through amendments to MARPOL Annex VI as quickly as possible, not least to discourage unilateral regulation, which greatly complicates maritime trade.  The IMO study must be conducted very speedily, and identify the most effective means of delivering maximum net environmental benefit.”  -end-       12 March 2007 ICS Conveys Shipping Industry Concerns about Panama Canal Toll Hikes The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) - with the support of BIMCO, Intercargo and Intertanko - has submitted formal comments to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) expressing the shipping industry’s serious concerns about the major toll increases proposed in connection with the planned expansion of the Panama Canal.  ICS Secretary General, Tony Mason (who will be representing the industry at a public hearing in Panama on 14 March) explained:  “ICS members have cautiously accepted the concept of sectoral pricing, and the introduction of charges per berth for larger passenger vessels.  However, we are very disappointed that our repeated request that increases in tolls should be equitable,transparent and spaced over a  sufficient amount of time appear, by and large, to have been ignored.”   The industry is firmly opposed to the quantum of the proposed toll increases.  “The official Expansion Proposals referred to projected increases in tolls of 3.5% per annum over a twenty year period” said Mr Mason.  “However, the actual proposals would lead to increases ranging from 26% to 34% over the first three years (equal to 8 to 10% per annum) with increases for container carrying vessels and larger passenger ships considerably in excess of 10% per annum.”  ICS argues that in any other industry, changes of this magnitude over such a short period of time would be regarded as being unacceptably large.  ICS also believes the proposed toll increases have too short an initial notice period and are spread over too short a time period for adequate long term planning or for effective absorption of additional costs.  “In particular” said Mr Mason “the three months notice for some sectors will cause significant problems.  Six months notice of the initial increases, and phasing in the increases over, say, six rather than three years, would be far more reasonable.” ICS also argues that the PCA’s proposals do not appear to represent a fair distribution of costs between current and future users.  “Canal users feel that increases in Canal dues should be matched by a tangible improvement in the service provided, and that they should not be expected to provide up-front financing for a major infrastructure project from which they may not individually derive any benefit.” said Mr Mason.    ICS has suggested that ACP explores further the extent to which external financing can be used to spread the costs over a larger period of time.  To avoid undermining industry confidence, and given previous ACP statements about the intention to double tolls over the next twenty years (which would equate to 3.5% per annum), ICS is seeking a commitment that the overall result of present and future increases will not exceed the expected annual average of 3.5%.   Click here to view the ICS submission to the ACP.       20 February 2007   ICS Launches Film on Internet to Promote Global Shipping Industry The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has launched a film on the internet – www.marisec.org/film - to help explain the shipping industry to non-expert policy makers and the public at large.   The eight minute film - International Shipping: Life Blood of World Trade – is intended to explain the importance of shipping to the health of the world economy, and to convey the message that shipping is safe, clean and comprehensively regulated.  The film also stresses the vital need for global regulation for a global industry.  In addition to being used with captive audiences of policy makers, the film can be used as a tool at exhibitions and in careers talks to young people.   The ICS film is also available as a high quality DVD which contains versions dubbed into French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese and Japanese.  Copies of the DVD can be obtained free of charge via ICS member national associations.     ICS and its member national associations are encouraging shipping companies worldwide to include a link to www.marisec.org/film on their own internet websites in order to promote its listing on internet search engines and bring the short film to as wide an audience as possible.    -end- Notes:  The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for the shipping industry, with a membership comprising national shipowners’ associations from 36 countries, representing about 70% of the world merchant fleet, in all sectors and trades.   6 February 2007 ICS sets out shipping industry's approach to reducing air emissions The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has submitted the latest industry proposals to IMO on the approach that might be taken during the current review of MARPOL Annex VI - which is expected to result in agreement to make considerable further reductions in ships’ air emissions, including sulphur dioxide.  The ICS paper builds on the conclusions of the last round of IMO technical discussions, held in Oslo in November, for consideration by the IMO Sub-Committee on Bulk Liquids and Gases (16-20 April).     ICS proposes a new goal-based approach to emissions reduction and calls for a holistic consideration of emission reduction measures.  It draws attention to the need to take account of the environmental justification for improvements proposed, and to consider fully the relationship between measures to reduce local air pollution, such as sulphur, and the subsequent implications for CO2/Green House Gas emissions.  ICS believes that there should be choice with regard to compliance measures.  In addition to reducing sulphur emissions, the ICS paper makes detailed suggestions about other aspects of the review including the reduction of emissions of nitrous oxides, particulate matter and volatile organic compounds.   ICS Secretary General, Tony Mason , explained: “The industry consensus, following extensive debate within our Committees, is that IMO should focus on the environmental outcome required, but should encourage different ways of achieving the agreed emission reduction goals.   Technical innovation certainly needs to be stimulated but, where regulation requires technical solutions, we should ensure that proven and robust technology does in fact already exist.   Above all, any new regulations should be aimed at delivering an overall net environmental benefit.  We do not wish to solve one problem by creating another. Methods for reducing sulphur emissions should not inadvertently lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, for example by generating additional CO2 from oil refineries.   ‘It might be the case that CO2 emissions from shipping, as opposed to shore based refineries, would not be increased by switching to distillate, but the responsible and honest approach is to suggest to the regulators that they consider the wider implications of their decisions and that the issues of sulphur and CO2 are linked.” Mr. Mason added: “In principle, despite the considerable economic costs, we have no objection to a switch to distillate fuel for those shipowners who see this as the most practical solution but, depending on who pays the bills, it is far less attractive to some shipping sectors than others, and there are also big questions about the ability of the oil industry to deliver the quantities needed if the whole world fleet was required to burn distillate everywhere.   The environmental impact of using low sulphur fuels far from land in the middle of the ocean also needs careful examination.  The firm consensus amongst our members is that other compliance options, such as the extension of Sulphur Emission Control Areas, and abatement and exhaust scrubbing technology, should also be fully explored, before we settle for one single solution, the implications of which have not been properly evaluated.” Whilst ICS fully appreciates the political impetus to the debate, the agreed Terms of Reference for the current round of IMO discussions are to focus on the technical and objective scientific arguments relevant to a variety solutions. A copy of the ICS submission to IMO is attached. -end- Notes: The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for the shipping industry, with a membership comprising national shipowners’ associations from 36 countries, representing about 70% of the world merchant fleet, in all sectors and trades.   30 January 2007  ICS and national shipowners' associations campaign for ratification of IMO Conventions The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and its worldwide membership of national shipowners’ associations are initiating a campaign to promote the important need for governments to ratify and implement Conventions adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).  Over the next couple of weeks, ICS member national shipowners’ associations will be writing to and seeking meetings with ministers responsible for maritime affairs, in order to reiterate that shipping is an inherently international industry, which depends upon a global regulatory framework to operate efficiently. ICS Secretary General, Tony Mason, explained: ‘It is vital that regulations governing matters such as safety, environmental protection and liability are common to all ships in international trade and that the same rules apply at both ends of the voyage.  The alternative would be a web of conflicting national regulations, resulting in market distortions and administrative confusion that would compromise the efficiency of world trade.   ‘It is very important that governments appreciate the problems created for the smooth operation of a global maritime regulatory regime by any failure and delay with regard to the ratification and implementation of  international instruments to which governments have agreed at IMO meetings, including Diplomatic Conferences.’   Tony Mason added: ‘The failure of new Conventions to enter into force, or become widely ratified, also gives encouragement to unwelcome calls for unilateral or regional regulation.' ICS has identified the following IMO Conventions which it believes it is important for all governments to ratify as a matter of urgent priority: Ballast Water Management, Anti Fouling Systems, Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, HNS Liability, Bunker Spill Liability, and MARPOL Annex VI (air pollution). Notes: The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for ship operators, representing all sectors and trades of the industry at IMO.  Its membership comprises national shipowners’ associations. ICS has identified the following IMO Conventions which it believes it is important for governments to ratify as a matter of urgent priority: International Convention on Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water (BWM), 2004  ICS is concerned that, in the absence of entry into force of a global regime, there is the reality of proliferating national and local regulations at variance with the IMO Convention, and a danger of chaos as shipowners struggle to comply with conflicting requirements at different ends of a voyage.  Now that IMO has adopted most of the relevant Guidelines concerning the implementation of the Convention there is no longer any reason for ratification to be delayed.      International Convention on Control of Harmful Anti Fouling Systems on Ships (AFS), 2001 Because of the fixed implementation date (2003) included in the Convention, the majority of shipowners have ceased to apply TBT paints which damage the marine environment and the manufacture of non-compliant paint is greatly reduced.  However, so long as the Convention is not in force, a small minority of shipowners may continue, quite legally, to use or else defer the removal of paints that are prohibited by the Convention.       Protocol of 1996 to the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (LLMC), 1976 The LLMC Protocol entered into force in 2004 and increases significantly the liability limits for a number of maritime claims.  The increased levels of compensation for claimants and the international community’s continued endorsement of the concept of limitation of liability are supported by ICS, which is promoting the widespread ratification of this important instrument.  ICS is therefore particularly keen to promote ratification of the LLMC 1996 Protocol as an alternative to the proposed EU Directive - the draft Directive on Civil Liability and Financial Securities of Shipowners – which would depart from principles agreed at the international level. International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea (HNS), 1996 The HNS Convention is modelled on the highly successful international oil pollution liability and compensation regime and would establish an international liability and compensation regime for HNS damage, the cost of which would be shared between shipowners and HNS cargo receivers.  ICS urges its widespread ratification and implementation, which has been hampered by problems connected with the cargo-funded “second tier”.  Failure to enter into force is giving encouragement to regional action and has been cited in a number of European Commission proposals post ‘Erika’ and ‘Prestige’, affecting both non-EU and EU ship operators, most recently the proposed Directive on Civil Liability and Financial Securities of Shipowners to which ICS is opposed.  Unless or until the HNS Convention enters into force, an existing EU Directive on Environmental Liability for Preventing and Remedying Environmental Damage will apply to HNS incidents in the waters of EU Member States from 30 April 2007.    International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001 The Bunkers Convention will establish an international liability regime for damage caused by spills of oil carried as fuel, and provide for the prompt and adequate compensation of claimants.  ICS is supportive of the uniformity and certainty which the widespread ratification of the Convention would ensure.  As with the HNS Convention, the failure of this Convention to enter into force is giving encouragement to regional action, in Europe in particular.  Unless or until the Bunkers Convention enters into force, the EU Directive on Environmental Liability for Preventing and Remedying Environmental Damage will apply to bunker spills in the waters of EU Member States from 30 April 2007. MARPOL Protocol of 1997 (MARPOL Annex VI – Prevention of Atmospheric Pollution by Ships) Although MARPOL Annex VI entered into force in 2005, the relatively low number of ratifications (37 States) could lead to problems when the current review of MARPOL Annex VI is finalised, and governments will be required to adopt amendments to the Protocol concerning more stringent standards.  In the meantime, non-parties to Annex VI are less likely to comply with existing requirements such as the need to ensure the provision of bunker delivery notes confirming that fuel quality meets IMO requirements.   -end- 24 January 2007  International Shipping Industry Supports UK Approach to Responding to Maritime Incidents The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has praised the UK Maritime and Coast Guard Agency’s handling of the incident involving the MSC Napoli (beached off the coast of Devon, UK) and the UK government’s approach to the designation of ‘places of refuge’ for use by ships in distress, in conformity with Guidelines agreed by the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO). ICS has also reiterated the support it has consistently given to the designation of an independent authority by governments to co-ordinate the immediate response to such maritime casualties. ICS Secretary General, Tony Mason explained: ‘Although it is still too early to confirm that a serious pollution disaster has been averted, ICS believes that the damage to the environment would certainly have been far greater if the decisive action of the UK authorities in beaching the ship, and the subsequent action to mitigate the pollution, had not been taken.  It is also important to remember that there has been no loss of seafarers’ lives.’ Tony Mason elaborated: ‘When a ship has suffered an incident, the best way of preventing damage or pollution from the ship’s progressive deterioration is to transfer its cargo and bunkers and to repair the casualty.  Such an operation is best carried out in a place of refuge.   However, such decisions are made in difficult circumstances and, while mitigating what would be even more serious situations, they may introduce, to say the least, some obvious political sensitivities.  ‘ICS has fully supported the application of the Guidelines adopted by IMO.   But we have also consistently commended the UK model of a government representative (or SOSREP – ‘Secretary of State’s Representative’) who is independent from political interference so that incidents can be dealt with in the overall best interests of safety, preventing their escalation into even more significant disasters.  In the absence of such a system, those in charge may be reluctant to take the immediate decisions that are necessary in such difficult situations.’  The European Commission (in its proposed Directive on Vessel Traffic Monitoring) has proposed that the ‘SOSREP’ concept, developed by the UK , should be followed by other EU States.  To date, however, despite industry support, this proposal, which is consistent with the IMO Guidelines, has regrettably not yet been supported by the EU Council of Transport Ministers. -end- Notes:   The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for the shipping industry, with a membership comprising national shipowners’ associations from 36 countries, representing about 70% of the world merchant fleet. Additional information about the international shipping industry, it safety and environmental performance and its contribution to the operation of the world economy – 90% of world trade is transported by sea – visit: www.shippingfacts.com   19 January 2007  STW JANUARY 2007 ISF is looking forward to playing an active role in this year’s STW meeting taking place at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London from 22 to 26 January 2007. ISF recognises the need for a review of the STCW Convention as it has not been in operation for over 10 years. As such, ISF have suggested a number of areas that might merit attention in the context of the review including: A review of the existing requirements so as to account for any recent or future changes in equipment, technology, terminology and management; Clarification of revalidation requirements; An assessment of quality standards (Regulation I/8) and the approval of training institutes and courses (Regulation I/6) to try and determine whether any modifications can be made to try and establish greater confidence in the validity of seafarer’s certificates regardless of their place of issue. ISF will also listen with interest, to the debate on fatigue and a potential review of safe manning levels. Seafarer safety is of paramount importance to our members and we wish to ensure that a holistic approach is taken with regard to the issue of fatigue. Whilst we believe it is essential to ensure that adequate and accurate records are kept of working hours and that standards are properly enforced, we also feel that more could be done to improve the health of seafarers. ISF believe that this could be better achieved by assessing food standards onboard, along with the amount and quality of sleep achieved by seafarers and the provision of quiet areas in order to try and maintain a good level of health and wellbeing of watchkeepers. We do not believe that a simple increase in manning scales will alleviate what is a multi-faceted problem. It is also anticipated that discussions will take place on the levels of alcohol allowed onboard ships. ISF feel that this issue should be left to the discretion of national administrations as opposed to international legislation. -end- 12 December 2006 ICS and ISF Comment on EU Maritime Policy Review The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF) have submitted detailed and comprehensive comments to the European Commission on its wide-ranging EU Maritime Policy Review – as outlined by its ‘Green Paper’ published in June , which could have significant implications for shipping globally. ICS and ISF have acknowledged the high profile which the Commission Review accords to the importance of the shipping industry, and to possible means of further improving the competitiveness of European shipping in accordance with the EU’s ‘Lisbon Agenda’ strategy.  However, ICS and ISF raise particular concerns about proposals to increase EU co-ordination of Member States’ positions adopted at IMO and ILO, due to the impact this may have on the quality of technical decision making.  They argue that such moves at IMO might actually be detrimental to the influence which EU maritime administrations currently enjoy in this important multilateral institution. ICS and ISF also express concerns about the Commission’s proposals to seek changes to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).  ICS/ISF argue that the EU should think very carefully before proposing an adjustment of flag states’ rights within the EEZ when other coastal states could use any such new entitlement to override ‘freedom of navigation’ for less benign motives, with potentially serious consequences for maritime trade in some of the world’s major strategic waterways.  ICS and ISF also sound a note of caution about the proposed ‘Common European Maritime Space’, especially the Green Paper’s comment that ‘this would have implications for cabotage within international trade negotiations’.  ICS and ISF stress it will be very important for the EU to demonstrate that the development of such a concept will not be used as a means of limiting market access to intra-EU trades (which are currently classified as international voyages) from fair competition from non-European ship operators.  With regard to the environment, ICS and ISF suggest that the Green Paper gives insufficient emphasis to the very sound environmental performance of shipping in comparison to other commercial transport modes and the extent to which shipping is part of the solution, rather the problem, with regard to concerns about global warming.   The ICS/ISF submission can be downloaded here. The European Commission’s consultation exercise on the Green Paper is scheduled to be completed by June, with firm proposals expected from the Commission later in 2007. -end- Notes  ICS is the principal international trade association for the shipping industry, and ISF is the leading international employer’s organisation for shipowners.  ICS and ISF represent all sectors and trades, and about 70% of the world’s merchant tonnage.  ICS and ISF membership comprises national shipowners’ associations from some 40 countries, including members of the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), with whom ICS and ISF work closely on a day-to-day basis.    9 October 2006 ISF Produces Definitive Guide for Ship Operators on New ILO Maritime Labour Convention The International Shipping Federation (ISF) has produced a comprehensive guide to the obligations that ship operators must anticipate to ensure compliance with the new ILO Maritime Labour Convention (ILO MLC).   The new ISF Secretary General, Tony Mason (who succeeded Chris Horrocks last week) explained: “ISF, the international employers’ organisation for shipowners, was responsible for negotiating the new ILO ‘super convention’ on behalf of employers in Geneva earlier this year.  After that success, we are pleased to have been able to finalise such comprehensive guidance for ship operators.  “It is very important that employers become acquainted with their new responsibilities as soon as possible, so that they are prepared when the new ILO Convention enters into force and can avoid misunderstandings with Port State Control authorities.   Although the majority of employers should have no major difficulties with the new requirements, which for the most part are consistent with the existing ISF Guidelines on Good Employment Practice, it will be especially important for them to be aware of the new Flag State certification procedures which the ILO Convention introduces, and the need to maintain a Document of Maritime Labour Compliance.” Mr Mason added: “ISF is campaigning, together with our trade union partners, for the new Convention to be ratified as soon as possible so that there is a worldwide regime which provides clear and consistent employment standards, for the benefit of both shipowners and seafarers.  Publication of this new ISF Guide demonstrates to all parties involved our continuing commitment to this important process.” ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006 – A Guide of the Shipping Industry (80 pages) is now available from Marisec Publications and leading maritime booksellers around the world.  -end- 28 September 2006 Shipping Industry Marks World Maritime Day with Support for IMO Model Audit Scheme, and Updated Shipping Facts Brochure On the occasion of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) World Maritime Day, the Round Table of international shipping associations (BIMCO, INTERCARGO, INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF SHIPPING/INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING FEDERATION and INTERTANKO) have used the opportunity to call on governments around the world to participate in the new IMO Voluntary Member State Audit Scheme.   Speaking at a special event in London today on board HQS Wellington on the River Thames, representatives of the leading international shipowner organisations explained that the IMO Scheme, which is directly relevant to this year’s IMO theme of “technical co-operation”, could prove to be the most significant regulatory milestone of the decade.     For the first time, maritime administrations will shortly be subject to external audit of how effectively they implement and enforce IMO safety and pollution prevention regulations.  The auditors will act under the auspices of IMO, using specially trained experts nominated by other IMO Member States.   Crucially, the results of the audits should allow resources from IMO’s Technical Co-operation Programme to be better targeted at maritime administrations not fulfilling their obligations.     It will no doubt take time for the IMO audits to be conducted and for the actions that follow to bear fruit.  However, the development is significant, not only because all flag states can learn from their peer group, but more particularly because most of the small number of sub-standard ships that still trade are concentrated in just a few poorly performing flag states.        The Round Table organisations have been strong supporters of the development of the IMO Scheme, and have been impressed by the pragmatic way in which governments have addressed understandable concerns about sovereignty.  In practice, however, it will be vital for any responsible maritime administration to submit to an audit as soon as possible in order to maintain its reputation and to satisfy its shipping industry clients.      The Round Table associations have also used the occasion of IMO World Maritime Day to update their well received brochure ‘International Shipping - Carrier of World Trade’.     The brochure contains some basic facts about the international shipping industry, its importance to the world economy and its impressive safety record and environmental performance.  It also reiterates the critical need for global regulation for a global industry.    -end- Notes   A copy of the new Round Table brochure can be downloaded from (the Homepage News area of) www.shippingfacts.com which has recently been redesigned and updated. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United Nations agency with responsibility for the regulation of maritime safety, security, and the protection of the marine environment.  Information about IMO and World Maritime Day can be found at www.imo.org   The IMO Voluntary Member State Audit Scheme (and the accompanying IMO Code on the Implementation of Mandatory Instruments against which IMO Member States will be audited) was adopted by the IMO Assembly in December 2005.  The first audits are expected to commence later this year.   The Round Table of international shipping associations includes BIMCO, ICS (International Chamber of Shipping) /ISF (International Shipping Federation), INTERCARGO (International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners) and INTERTANKO (International Association of Independent Tanker Owners). These organisations together represent all segments of the industry including the owners and managers of all types of ships.    For more details please contact: BIMCO - Peter Grube , pg@bimco.dk Tel : +45 44 36 6800;  Fax : +45 44 36 6868 www.bimco.dk ICS/ISF - Simon Bennett, simon.bennett@marisec.org Tel: +44 20 7417 8844; Fax: +44 20 7417 8877 www.marisec.org INTERCARGO - Rob Lomas, rob.lomas@intercargo.org Tel: +44 20 7977 7036; Fax: +44 20 7977 7031 www.intercargo.org INTERTANKO – Bill Box, bill.box@intertanko.com Tel: +44 20 7977 7023; Fax: +44 20 7977 7011 www.intertanko.com 13 July 2006 Tanker Industry Updates Fundamental Guidance on Best Practice The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) have published a new and fully revised edition of the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals - or ISGOTT as it is widely known to those working at the sharp end of tanker and terminal operations.   Since its first publication in 1978, ISGOTT has been recognised as the principal industry reference work on the safe operation of oil tankers and terminals, and it is referred to in many IMO regulations and recommendations.  ICS, OCIMF and IAPH are confident that the new edition will contribute to the further improvement of the tanker industry’s excellent safety record, and will bring it closer to the goal of zero accidents to which the whole industry aspires. OCIMF Director, Paul Markides, explained:  ‘This new edition of ISGOTT takes account of a number of significant developments, and makes full use of experience gained as a result of the increasing use of double hull ships that now make up the majority of the world tanker fleet.   We have encompassed the relevance of the ISM and ISPS Codes to tanker and terminal operations. New research on static electricity, and the latest thinking on matters such as the toxic effects of cargoes have also been incorporated.’  ICS Secretary General, Chris Horrocks, remarked: ‘In the years since IMO adopted the SOLAS and MARPOL Conventions, the safety and environmental performance of the global tanker industry has improved enormously.  But such improvements cannot be brought about by regulation alone, and are in fact testimony to the good practices constantly refined by industry, and the dedication to safety of the people it employs.   This commitment to continuous improvement, a concept embraced by the ISM Code, is demonstrated by the industry’s efforts to ensure that ISGOTT remains up to date.’ Managing Director IAPH Europe, Fer van de Laar, added: ‘Adherence to the guidance contained in ISGOTT forms a part of what we now call a ‘safety culture’.  With a true safety culture, however, everyone involved in tanker and terminal operations must continuously think about safety, and new ways of improving it, as a matter of course.  All ‘accidents’ are ultimately preventable, and normally only occur as a result of unsafe actions or a failure to follow correct procedures.’ The new, 5th edition of ISGOTT (which is accompanied by a CD version of the text) is published by Witherby and Co, London (www.witherbys.co.uk) ISGOTT flyer -end- Contacts: John Murray, ICS john.murray@marisec.org  John Vercoe, OCIMF john.vercoe@ocimf.com  Fer van de Laar, IAPH fvdlaar@msr-r.nl  Notes: The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for the shipping industry, with a membership comprising national shipowners’ associations from 36 countries, representing about 70% of the world merchant fleet. The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) is an association of oil companies having an interest in the shipment and terminalling of crude oil products and the promotion of safety and the prevention of pollution.  The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) is a worldwide association of port authorities encompassing 87 countries. All three bodies enjoy consultative status with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).