IOPC Funds engages with liquid gas industry ahead of HNS Convention entry into force

Posted: 13/10/2026

Photograph of Gillian Grant with James Rockall, CEO of the WLGA, and David Tyler, Director and WLGA representative to the IOPC Funds.

The IOPC Funds participated in the World Liquid Gas Association’s (WLGA) Member Engagement Day, held on the margins of Liquid Gas Week 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye. The engagement formed part of the IOPC Funds Secretariat’s ongoing work to prepare for the entry into force of the 2010 HNS Convention and the establishment of the future HNS Fund.

During the Safety & Business Improvement session, Gillian Grant, Head of the HNS Department, provided WLGA members with an overview of the 2010 HNS Convention and its relevance to the LPG industry. Her presentation focused on what LPG receivers can expect when the Convention enters into force and the preparations they will need to make for the new regime.

The WLGA promotes the use of Liquid Gas and is the authoritative voice of the global Liquid Gas industry. Representing the full Liquid Gas value chain, its membership comprises more than 300 private and public companies operating in more than 125 countries.

The WLGA has been a longstanding observer at meetings of the IOPC Funds and has worked to raise awareness within the LPG industry of the forthcoming HNS regime and what LPG receivers will need to do to prepare for it. The WLGA is one of a number of non-governmental organisations granted observer status with the IOPC Funds, enabling such organisations to participate in discussions at meetings of the governing bodies.

The engagement was particularly timely as preparations continue for the 2010 HNS Convention to enter into force on 29 November 2027. With the entry-into-force criteria having been fulfilled, the IOPC Funds Secretariat is working in close cooperation with the IMO Secretariat on a structured programme to ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place for the smooth implementation of the Convention and the establishment of a robust, secure and fully functioning HNS Fund.

Engagement with Member States and relevant industry associations is an important part of those preparations. As entry into force approaches, the IOPC Funds will continue to work with States and industry to raise awareness of the obligations that will arise under the Convention, as well as the benefits of the new international liability and compensation regime, with the aim of supporting its smooth implementation. Recent Secretariat activities have similarly focused on working with States and industry to prepare for implementation.