Salvage, Wreck Removal Beset with Chronic Problems
The basic nature of maritime casualties, salvage and wreck removal has evolved rapidly over the last few years. Ships and offshore constructions have become more technologically elaborate, and in many cases simply bigger and more complex than ever. There isincreasing concern about whether current international legislation and industry practices cancope with the issues. Many are skeptical regarding the fundamental format of casualty contracts, questioning if they are justchronically outdated.
Nick Haslam, Shipping Director of leading international maritime consultants, the LOC Group, is convinced initiatives to improve casualty management and create a better understanding between all parties must be heard, debated and positively supported.
“We believe it’s time the industry as a whole unites to tackle these issues head-on,” says Haslam. “Rising costs, worry over places of refuge, environmental impact, and a general lack of confidence in the legislative, regulatory and procedural instruments currently in force – these are problemsthat need solutions right now.”
In response to the crisis, LOChas taken the first step by arranging the first Asian Marine Casualty Forum, to be held next month. The forum’s express aim is to generate practical and actionable solutions. A topical highlight of The Lion City’s annual Maritime Week, LOC’s non-profit forum will occupy Thursday 23 and Friday 24 April at The Fullerton Hotel.
“Our intentis to host a forum By the industry, for the industry,” Haslam explains. “All parties involved in marine casualty response, from top to bottom, coming together. Every stakeholderwitha genuine interest in establishing answers and actioning improvements.”
Haslam hopes the forum will result in an Action Plan for Industry Reformto be quickly circulated to all, facilitating effective dialogue to bring about clearer awareness of the problems and lead to positive changes.
Designed for pan-global industry leaders from all parties involved in salvage, wreck removal and all other marine casualties, LOC’s forum will host the International Group of P&I Clubs’ Casualty Working Group,many of the world’s top insurers, salvage contractors andregulators,plus ship owners and government representatives.
Over 200 senior executivesfrom hubs such as Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and the UKare expected to address thedilemmas and tough choices facing the industry, including how to handle dramatically escalating costs of salvage and wreck removal and the increasing complexity of mega-ship salvage.
Maritime authorities to speak at the Asian Marine Casualty Forum will include representatives from Singapore (MPA), Maritime New Zealand (MNZ), the Australian Maritime Safety Agency (AMSA), and the UK Secretary of State Representative (SOSREP).
Other key speakerswill represent the International Group of P&I Clubs, hull & machinery and property underwriters, marine lawyers and International Salvage Union (ISU).
The forum will take place 23 & 24 April at The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore
