MSC Convenes in London

The 75th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) was convened at the IMO Headquarters in London 15 to 24 May. In his opening speech, the Secretary-General, Bill O'Neil, said that many important developments had occurred since the last meeting with terrorist attacks in New York and Washington having shaken the entire world. He reiterated that IMO's response was swift, firm and decisive - shipping should not be allowed to become a soft target for international terrorism. Arguments, such as the non-existence of an internationally accepted definition of terrorism and IMO's apolitical character were brushed aside and an action plan was put in place almost immediately after the tragic events. Source: INTERTANKO