Launch of Asian Marine Casualty Forum

 

The Crisis in Global Maritime Casualty Response – Now Is the Time To Act – An industry Forum Designed to Promote Change

An industry forum aimed at producing a practical response to the current crises in maritime casualty management was officially launched in Singapore today.

LOC Group (LOC), the leading international maritime consultancy group, is set to host the forum, the first of its kind, as a cornerstone gathering during the forthcoming Singapore Maritime Week (April 20-24, 2015). Singapore is the perfect location for this initiative being one of the busiest hubs for shipping and a centre of excellence for the management of casualties in the region.

The two day meet is intended for global industry leaders from all parties involved in marine casualties. It takes place on Thursday and Friday April 23 and 24 at Singapore’s prestigious Fullerton Hotel.

LOC has invited many of the world’s leading marine insurers, salvage contractors, as well as ship-owners and government representatives to the exclusive, not-for-profit event.

More than 200 senior industry figures are expected to attend to hear discussions on the challenging issues facing the maritime industry today including the dramatically escalating cost of salvage and wreck removal and the salvage of mega ships.

Other topics will highlight the work of the International Group of P&I Clubs’ Casualty Working Group and the current thinking of a host of senior maritime authorities and regulators from the region including, but not limited to, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand as well as the United Kingdom.

As one of the world’s foremost casualty management experts, LOC, along with other industry leaders, believes the industry must tackle head-on, issues such as Places of Refuge for vessels and improved casualty management. Delegates will be encouraged to question these issues and also the current format of many casualty contracts – are they still fit for purpose?

Among the confirmed speakers for the First Asian Marine Casualty Forum will be senior representatives from Singapore (MPA), Maritime New Zealand (MNZ), the Australian Maritime Safety Agency (AMSA), and the UK Secretary of State Representative (SOSREP).

Senior representatives from the International Group (IG Group) of P&I Clubs, leading hull & machinery and property underwriters, eminent marine lawyers and International Salvage Union (ISU) members are also key speakers.

Nick Haslam, Shipping Director of LOC Group, is spearheading this event on behalf of LOC.

He said today: “There has never been a more crucial moment for the industry to get to grips with the issues facing it today. The entire process of maritime casualty management, salvage and wreck removal has changed and demands specific attention from all parts of the industry. Initiatives being developed to improve casualty management and create a better understanding between the parties must be heard, debated and positively supported.

The idea was to launch the forum as an event arranged “by the industry for the industry” with all parties as stakeholders having a genuine interest in finding solutions and bringing about improvements.”

Delegates on April 23-24 will experience a two day discussion on all these issues with a mix of formal papers, group discussion and informal interaction.

LOC hopes the gathering will issue an Action Plan for Industry Reform after the forum which will be circulated to all key parties in the hope that continued dialogue will assist in bringing about changes and a better understanding.