28th Cedre Information Day focuses on 2010 HNS Convention

Posted: 08/04/2024

Cedre held its 28th Information Day on 21 March 2024 in Paris, France, with about 100 representatives from government administrations and industry in attendance.

This year’s event featured two panel discussions, the first of which focused on chemical risks at sea: the latest on the Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Convention. In this session, discussions addressed the issue of the transport of chemicals at sea from a standpoint of the risks involved and the need for prevention, regulation, and response. The second session highlighted knowledge development and new propulsion fuels within the context of decarbonising shipping.

An interactive first session was held, which included  experts from the IOPC Funds, the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture of France, the French General Secretariat for the Sea, Transport Canada and Gard P&I Club.

During that session the Director of the IOPC Funds, Gaute Sivertsen, explained the current status of the Convention and the positive progress by States towards implementing this important treaty as well as the anticipated timeline for its entry into force. He referred to Member States’ responsibilities under the Convention, specifically with regards to reporting requirements.

In the second panel discussion, participants included representatives from the ARISE project, Centre d’expertises pratiques antipollution (CEPPOL), the French National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks (Ineris), and YARA International.

The event offered a good opportunity to promote a broader understanding of the Convention and its benefits when it enters into force.

Based in Brest, France, Cedre is an international non-governmental organisation which provides expertise in accidental water pollution, delivering response support, contingency planning, training, analysis and testing and research.