Workshop on 2010 Convention on Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS)
The transport of hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) by sea is a vital trade. Chemicals and other products underpin many manufacturing processes and IMO regulations ensure their safe transport.
However, incidents do happen - and the HNS Convention is the last piece in the puzzle needed to ensure that those who have suffered damage have access to a comprehensive and international liability and compensation regime.
The current HNS Convention was adopted in 2010, amending a previous instrument that had been adopted in 1996. However, the 2010 HNS Convention has still not entered into force; States must ratify it before this can happen.
Workshop
An IMO Workshop on the
2010 HNS Convention was held to assist Member States in their work towards further ratifications of the 2010 HNS Protocol. It was was aimed at representatives of States considering ratifying the 2010 HNS Protocol. Participation was open to all Member Governments, IGOs and NGOs in consultative status with IMO which have pertinent expertise. Participation by policy and decision-makers with respect to the ratification of the 2010 HNS Protocol was particularly encouraged.
Read a summary of the Workshop here.
See photographs of the event here.
Date: 3-4 April 2023
Location: IMO Headquarters and hybrid
Programme:
Day one Monday 3 April 2023
Session 1 - Introduction to the HNS Convention
Session 2 – Examples in Domestic Implementation
Session 3 – HNS Incidents: Risks and Claims
Session 4 – Industry Views
Session 5 – Summary
Day two Tuesday 4 April 2023
Session 6 – HNS Reporting Requirements
Regional breakout groups
Session 7 – Future Implementation of HNS Convention
Closing - Closing Remarks
Key takeaways from workshop
Next steps on implementation
Next steps once entry into force is triggered
Please see the full programme here.
For more detail, please see the Circular Letter No.4620/Rev.1
The HNS Convention
HNS covered by the Convention include: oils; other liquid substances defined as noxious or dangerous; liquefied gases; liquid substances with a flashpoint not exceeding 60˚C; dangerous, hazardous and harmful materials and substances carried in packaged form or in containers; and solid bulk materials defined as possessing chemical hazards.
The HNS Convention establishes the principle that the ‘polluter pays’ by ensuring that the shipping and HNS industries provide compensation for those who have suffered loss or damage resulting from an HNS incident.
The shipping, oil, gas, chemical, petrochemical and other HNS industries are committed to paying such compensation through an international system, and the HNS Convention provides the framework just such a system. The HNS Convention benefits all State Parties (producing, receiving and coastal States) by establishing a system of strict liability and clear claims criteria.
Read more about the
HNS Convention here.