In summary, the international shipping industry is broadly satisfied with the status quo
with respect to the current text of the Convention, including Article 8. However, with
respect to the current text of Article 15, opinions within the shipping industry appear to
differ. ICS is cautious about commenting on proposed changes whose wider
implications are difficult to fully understand, despite having been carefully studied by our
members. ICS therefore suggests that the proposed changes to the OECD Model
Convention need to be subjected to a far more comprehensive review.
The international shipping industry is firmly committed to playing its part in reducing emissions of CO2 and other Green House Gases. This brochure, produced by ICS to coincide with the UNFCCC Climate Change Conference in Lima (COP 20), explains the issues involved and the progress being made by the industry and its global regulator - the IMO - to reduce ships’ CO2 emissions.
Shipowners, Salvors and Insurers – through their respective trade associations – have jointly called for the prompt and proper implementation of international measures to provide a Place of Refuge for stricken vessels, following a series of incidents where casualty vessels have been delayed in accessing a safe harbour.
The Board of Directors of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), representing national shipowners’ associations from 35 nations and over 80% of the world merchant fleet, recently met in London.
Submitted by ICS, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO, the International Group of P&I Clubs, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), OCIMF and SIGTTO, Maritime Safety Committee, 93rd Session, Agenda Item 15, February 2014.
CS believes this major policy change would involve inappropriate interference by the Government of Sri Lanka into commercial relationships between ocean carriers and their customers.
The ICS paper explains the significant challenges the shipping industry has faced in responding to the crisis in the Indian Ocean during the period 2007-2013.