Ensuring That Maritime Conventions Are Implemented With Practical, Common-Sense Rules

In the latest edition of the Liberian Registry newsletter, Flagship, Mr. Alfonso Castillero, the Executive Chairmen delivered an important message on the implementation of maritime conventions. A message which is worth repeating here.

 

The drive to remain the default flag for quality owners, while continuously raising the bar for excellence and safety standards, is the goal and mainstay for everyone at the Liberian Registry. As a part of strategy toward this objective, and toward future growth, the Liberian Registry intends to be a leading voice in the industry, and to advocate for smart regulations as a member of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council. 

 

The Liberian Registry is prepared to help owners and operators with the implementation of all conventions to which they are party, though they aim to ensure that all conventions are implemented with practical, common-sense rules. These rules must be evaluated and decided with sufficient technical and practical consideration to minimize uncertainty in their implementation. 

 

It is obvious that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to comply with 2020 regulations, and effective implementation is the responsibility of all stakeholders. As looking at the different ways the industry has addressed the pre-2020 IMO sulphur reduction mandate, shipowners who invested in scrubbers as an accepted compliance method, should be able to operate in all waters without restriction in accordance with global emission limits. At the recent Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 74) meeting, the Liberian Administration stood with those who were early movers, calling for additional scientific clarity around scrubbers as to not penalize those owners. On the other hand, owners who switched from high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) to marine gas oil (MGO) or fuel blends must rely on the Port States to report on availability, quality, and safety of compliant fuel. Regardless of which method is chosen, it’s clear that shipowners disproportionately carry the economic burden of compliance. 

 

Liberia is able to provide the highest level of advice and assistance to our shipowners and managers. The Liberian Registry provide technical, practical and economical guidelines to our clients regarding the implementation of conventions, and will continue to not only participate in IMO meetings, but lead the discussions so all measures to ensure consistent implementation are practically considered as the industry meets this mandate together.

 

Source:Alfonso Castillero,Chief Operating Officer at LISCR

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