Coastal States need to reconsider their responsibilities in granting refuge - Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide

IMO resolutions promote preparedness and the need for coastal States to take responsibility to avoid compounding issues faced by ships in distress.

Equally, EU member States are required to draw up and implement plans to take ships in distress requesting refuge under their authority.

The ‘Maersk Honam’ was even more seriously damaged in the Arabian Sea, with five crew losing their lives.

While clearly each incident presents multifaceted issues and diverse interests, the balance in favour of coastal State sovereignty, economy and environment may restrict the readiness to provide assistance to ships in distress.

As a result, TT Club urges all stakeholders, port administrations, coastal States and the regulatory authorities to consider carefully their responsibilities to be proactive in setting up and testing emergency plans in regard to places of refuge on safety, environmental and moral grounds.

Published On: Wed, 07 Apr 2021 10:00:51 GMT