IOPC Funds contributes to IMLI’s Course on the Law of Ports

Posted: 19/01/2026

IOPC Funds’ HNS Project Manager, Ms Gillian Grant, recently delivered an online lecture to participants in the International Maritime Law Institute’s (IMLI) Course on the Law of Ports. The course covers key aspects of port operations and related areas governed by the legal instruments of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The HNS Project Manager’s presentation, delivered on the topic “The 2010 HNS Convention: why does it matter?”, included an overview of the Convention, its current status, the HNS Fund, and the IOPC Funds’ role in the lead-up to its expected entry into force. She underscored the importance of the Convention and the benefits it offers to Member States, particularly in light of recent HNS incidents and the anticipated increase in the global transportation of HNS cargoes as the shipping industry advances towards decarbonisation.

The session also provided updates on preparations for the entry into force of the HNS Convention and its implications for stakeholders and the IOPC Funds. Ms Grant detailed how the HNS Fund will be financed, stressing the importance of accurate reporting of HNS cargoes and underlining the critical role of the HNS Finder, the online database listing substances within the scope of the Convention, including contributing cargoes.

The lecture was delivered to an engaged audience, with participants posing a wide range of questions during the discussion that followed.

To date, eight States have ratified the HNS Protocol, with commitments from several others expected to follow. Twelve States must accede to the Protocol for the treaty to enter into force. The 2010 HNS Convention is expected to enter into force in the near future, approximately 18 months after the required criteria are met.

IMLI, established by the IMO to provide advanced education in international maritime law, is based in Malta. The Institute offers the Course on the Law of Ports as part of its mission to enhance capacity-building, particularly within government entities of IMO Member States dealing with port-related matters.