ITOPF hosts IOPC Funds for discussions on HNS Convention

The Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Convention is a critical framework for global maritime safety and compensation as it closes legal gaps, ensures fair compensation, promotes safety, and strengthens global resilience against chemical spill disasters.

ITOPF welcomed Gillian Grant, HNS Project Manager at the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC Funds), to its office in London for a deep dive on the HNS Convention and its goals.

The Convention offers comprehensive coverage for ship-source incidents involving hazardous substance cargoes, including personal injury and loss of life. It introduces a two-tier compensation system: strict shipowner liability backed by insurance, and a second-tier fund financed by bulk HNS cargo importers.

During discussions, emerging challenges were highlighted, such as erroneous cargo declarations and the classification of substances like plastic pellets, alongside a promising outlook for ratification, with several European states committed to joining.

With the expectation of ever greater volumes of hazardous and noxious cargoes and larger vessels, the HNS Convention will play a vital role in ensuring preparedness and resilience.