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Contracting Governments News

31 Oct 2018

IMO Trains Libyan Port Security Officers

Libyan port and maritime security officers are receiving training on  International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code), which sets out preventive security measures to detect and defer threats to ships and port facilities.The participants are in charge of port security throughout the country, and also include members of the national committee in charge of oversight of compliance in Libya, who will be part of a special session dedicated to oversight responsibilities.The training workshop (27-31 October) is focused on equipping the officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to plan and conduct effective self-assessments of compliance with relevant IMO regulations/guidelines.The workshop is being conducted in neighbouring Tunis…

03 Sep 2018

ABS Discusses on IMO 2020

Shipping industry leaders, joined by Goldman Sachs, discussed IMO 2020 challenges and opportunities at the ABS panel discussion held at the start of SMM 2018. They exchanged their views on compliant fuel availability, fuel pricing spreads and scrubbers shape the conversation at SMM.Christian Lelong, Senior Commodities Analyst, Goldman Sachs; Aaron Bresnahan, Vice President Marine Solutions, Wartsila; Paddy Rodgers, Director and Chief Executive Officer, EURONAV; Wolfgang Hintzsche, Marine Director, German Shipowners’ Association; Lars Robert Pederson, Deputy Secretary General, Bimco and moderator Kirsi Tikka, ABS Executive Vice President and Senior Maritime Advisor…

26 Mar 2018

Djibouti Provides ​​Port Security Training

Ports provide the critical interface between the ship and the shore. For maritime trade to flow effectively, this vital infrastructure needs to be secure – and this involves people at all levels. A national maritime security training workshop in Djibouti (19-23 March) included practical exercises and a site visit to a nearby port facility as well as class-based training in how to implement the relevant provisions of International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s code on International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS Code) and SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and related guidance. The workshop was held at the Djibouti Regional Maritime Training Centre, Djibouti, and was aimed at port facility security officers and other port security personnel.

15 Nov 2017

Free-flowing Maritime Traffic in Montenegro

The key IMO treaty supporting the free flow of international maritime traffic – the Facilitation Convention – provides a set of consistent, uniform regulations that cover the wide range of administrative tasks required of ships coming into and leaving port. To support this process in Montenegro, IMO is holding a seminar with the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs in Bar, Montenegro (14-16 November). Thirty-five participants from various agencies with responsibilities for clearing ships, cargo, crew and passengers in the country’s ports, and private stakeholders are taking part. The seminar is advising participants on both the current facilitation regulations and recent amendments on the mandatory electronic data exchange for international shipping…

25 May 2016

SOLAS Container Weight Requirements FAQ

Photo: IMO

With new rules regarding the declaration of the accurate gross mass of a packed containers due to enter force, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) answers the industry’s frequently asked questions (FAQ). What are the new rules? On July 1, 2016, new requirements to verify the gross mass of a packed container enter into force under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Why have the requirements for verification of the gross mass of the container been introduced?

06 May 2015

IMO’s MEPC Set to Adopt Polar Code Provisions

Photo: IMO

The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) meets for its 68th session from May 11-15, 2015, at IMO Headquarters in London. Items on the agenda include the proposed adoption of the environmental part of the Polar Code and associated draft MARPOL amendments to make the Code mandatory; the implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention; further work on air pollution and energy efficiency measures; and a proposal to extend the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) to parts of the Coral Sea.

12 Jun 2013

U.S. Thumps the Table on Nigerian Ship Security

The United States of America government has issued a 90-day ultimatum to Nigeria to improve security in its ports and waterways or face a ban on ships from entering the country. At the opening of a two day General Stakeholders Conference on "Reviving ISPS Code Implementation in Nigeria, Mr. Olugbenga Leke Oyewole, Senior Special Assistant  to the President on Maritime Services, told the Lagos conference that due to measures that were introduced after the September 2011 incident in United States, Nigeria cannot be exonerated  from the activities of terrorists, reports 'WorldStage'. He assured that the country will revive its implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security code by August to secure ports and waterways against terrorism, piracy, smuggling and bunkering.

18 Jun 2009

ECDIS, BNWAS Mandatory under SOLAS

Amendments to SOLAS regulation V/19, to make mandatory the carriage of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm Systems (BNWAS), under SOLAS chapter V, Safety of Navigation, were adopted, with an expected entry into force date of 1 January 2011. The requirements will be mandatory for new ships and phased-in for existing ships. •    Amendments to the title of Chapter VI to read, Carriage of Cargoes “and Oil Fuels” and to Regulation VI/5-1 on Material safety data sheets (MSDS) to require  MSDS to be provided for ships carrying oil or oil fuel, prior to the loading of such oil as cargo in bulk or bunkering of oil fuel. The MSC also approved Recommendations for material safety data sheets (MSDS) for MARPOL Annex I type cargoes and oil fuels.

03 Jun 2009

EU LRIT Data Centre in Production

As of 1 June 2009, the European Union Long Range Identification and Tracking of ships Data Centre (EU LRIT DC) entered in production following successful developmental testing. This is a milestone following a preparatory phase of a year-and-a-half of development work by the European Maritime Safety Agency and its main contractor – Collecte Localisation Satellite (CLS). By the entry into operation of the EU LRIT DC, the participating Contracting Governments meet the international deadline for providing LRIT information by 30 June 2009. The EU LRIT DC is a combined effort of the European Commission, in cooperation with Member States, through the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). The Agency is in charge of the data centre's technical development, operation and maintenance.

27 May 2009

IMO Safety Committee, Piracy on Agenda

IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) is meeting at the Organization's London Headquarters for its 86th session from 27 May to 5 June. The packed agenda includes discussion on piracy and armed robbery against ships off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden, the implementation of the Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system, the development of goal-based standards for new ship construction and the adoption of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The MSC will review the latest statistics on piracy and armed robbery against ships, in particular in relation to the situation off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden…

09 Dec 2008

Transas Provides LRIT to Japan

The Japanese Coastguard has contracted Transas and its representative Marix k.k as Application Service Provider (ASP) for the National Data Centre (NDC). The NDC will be operational by 31st December 2008. Transas has developed a complete range of Long Range Identification Tracking (LRIT) products and services for contracting governments and shipowners. The design of the Transas LRIT software allows a flexible and custom installation according to national requirements. This can range from a wholly outsourced service to a mixed architecture whereby Application Service Provider services are hosted by Transas yet the National Data Centre and data storage resides in the contracting government’s chosen location. Transas performs conformity testing for onboard LRIT terminals.

08 Sep 2008

Are you LRIT Compliant?

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted an amendment to Chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 (SOLAS), which introduces new mandatory position reporting obligations for SOLAS ships. It's called Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and requires vessels to automatically transmit their identity, position with date/time at 6-hour intervals. •    Mobile offshore drilling units. •    Flag State: May track ships within its own fleet anywhere in the world. •    Port State: May set its own requirements for ships that have indicated that they intend to call at its ports. •    Coastal…

20 Jan 2004

IMO Urges Redoubled Efforts Against Terrorism

Governments and the shipping industry should redouble their efforts to ensure compliance with the new maritime security measures, which will enter into force on July 1, 2004, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has said in a Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Circular. MSC/Circ.1104, issued 15 January 2004 following consultations between the Secretary-General and the Chairman of the Maritime Safety Committee, invites SOLAS Contracting Governments, port authorities, classification societies…

05 Mar 2004

GL Holds First Tanker Forum

Germanischer Lloyd held its first-ever “GL Tanker Forum” on March 1, 2004. The meeting was convened at the classification society’s head office in Hamburg and featured presentations by GL experts on a range of topical tanker industry issues to some 20 invited representatives of tanker shipping companies and shipyards. The event was the latest in an ongoing series of “Forum” meetings organized by GL. An open discussion session with attending industry representatives once again proved to be a valuable part of the proceedings. Papers presented by the GL experts covered “Permanent Means of Access”, “Legal Aspects of Anti-Fouling Systems (TBT-free Systems)” and “CAP Condition Assessment Program for Tankers”.

15 Mar 2004

IMO: Enact Security Plans Now

IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Efthimios E. atrocities of 11 March 2004. to 19 March, Mr. parts of the world which have suffered at the hands of terrorists. the atrocities were committed brought home the terror in its full dimension," Mr. Mitropoulos said. acts of terrorism. unlawful acts," he said. specified in SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. measures enter into force on 1 July 2004. ships entitled to fly their flags and port facilities under their jurisdiction are concerned," Mr. Mitropoulos told delegates. "My argument, in so doing, is simple," he added. Mr. matters and illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing. The Chairman of the FSI Sub-Committee is Mr. K.T. Lim (Republic of Korea).

18 Mar 2004

IMO: Master May be SSO

The master of a ship can be designated as the Ship Security Officer (SSO) in implementing the provisions of the mandatory International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, IMO's Flag State Implementation (FSI) Sub-Committee has unanimously decided to recommend to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC). The FSI Sub-Committee, which meets this week at IMO's London Headquarters, considered the issue following concerns raised by Contracting Governments to the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and by the shipping industry as to whether the ISPS Code, as drafted, would prevent the master of the ship being designated as the SSO. The ISPS Code will become mandatory in July of this year under amendments to SOLAS adopted in December 2002.

12 May 2004

Security: Security of Ports and Vessels: A New Approach

Clearly, the maritime industry is one of the most powerful drivers of international commerce and economic vitality in the world. • The worldwide fleet of marine containers - a transportation cargo unit that can hold up to 500 computer monitors - is nearly 11 million. • The European Union, which is the main trading partner for two thirds of the world, in 2001 exported EUR 981 billion and imported EUR 1,027 billion. • The global ocean-liner shipping industry owns approximately $155 billion in vessels, containers, marine terminals and other direct operating assets now in service around the world. • Almost 16 million Americans work in port-related jobs, producing $210 billion in federal, state and local taxes annually.

08 Jun 2004

Challenges facing IMO

By IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Efthimios E. The first months of my tenure as Secretary-General of the international Maritime Organization have seen an extremely busy and productive period at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and in this yearbook I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect on the past six months in general and also to look forward to some of the challenges that lie ahead. During the first half of 2004, three senior technical bodies have held meetings: the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and the Legal Committee. IMO has also hosted five sub-committee meetings…

05 Aug 2004

Legal: Declaration of Security

Like most other tasks involving two or more parties, maritime security becomes less difficult if each party understands what the others are going to be doing. The method for achieving this understanding in the marine sector, under both the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), is by means of the Declaration of Security. Declaration of Security (DoS) is defined by the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention as "an agreement reached between a ship and either a port facility or another ship with which it interfaces, specifying the security measures each will implement". Maritime security regulations promulgated by the U.S.

01 Jul 2004

IMO's Mitropoulos: 'Good Job'

IMO Secretary-General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos has welcomed the major effort made by Governments and the shipping and port industries to improve maritime security in the weeks and months leading up to the entry into force of the ISPS Code and related security measures today, 1 July 2004. Mr Mitropoulos said that, all over the world, a huge amount of work has been undertaken in the period leading up to the entry-into-force date to ensure the highest possible level of compliance.

30 Jun 2004

ISPS Update

The latest ISPS Code implementation figures show a continuing improvement, particularly as far as port facilities are concerned, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Efthimios Mitropoulos said today, Wednesday (30 June). The latest figures issued by IMO, on the eve of the entry-into-force date, suggest that the majority of ships and ports worldwide will have achieved full compliance and that many more are well on the way towards doing so. “The figures released today indicate that the number of port facility security plans submitted and approved has increased significantly in the week before 1 July 2004,” Mr. Mitropoulos said. “Although the figures are changing constantly…

25 Jun 2004

ISPS Implementation: IMO Notes Continued Improvement

The latest ISPS Code implementation figures show a steady improvement, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Efthimios Mitropoulos said on Friday (25 June). “The figures released today indicate that both the number of ship security plans submitted and International Ship Security Certificates issued are increasing as we approach the home strait to 1 July 2004,” Mr. Mitropoulos said. “The proportion of port facility plans approved – while still low – is also increasing. “I am also encouraged by the fact that information provided by the industry organizations indicates that certain particularly vulnerable categories of ships – including passenger ships and tankers – are showing a high rate of compliance,” he added. Mr.

21 Jun 2004

Ensure Strategic Shipping Lanes are Secure

IMO Secretary-General Mr. Efthimios Mitropoulos has stressed the importance of ensuring that strategically important international shipping lanes are protected from the threat of terrorism and remain open for trade at all times. Announcing the latest International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code compliance figures to the Council's 92nd session, which meets 21 to 25 June (see figures below), Mr. Mitropoulos emphasized the need to ensure that shipping lanes, particularly those of strategic significance and importance, are kept open under all circumstances. "To this effect, we have undertaken some research work in the Secretariat…