China Oil Pollution Compensation Fund
06/10/2015
The Committee will shortly publish the protocols for the submission of claims, thus launching a new compensation regime for oil pollution incidents caused by ships within Chinese waters.
Chinese law requires owners of ships carrying oil or other hazardous cargo in bulk, or any vessel over 10,000gt, to have made a contract with a qualified clean up company prior to calling at any Chinese port. The requirement has been in force since 1st January 2012. Ministry of Transport published a Notice on 18th March 2015, abolishing the SPRO qualification approval process. The IG has been informed by its legal advisor in Beijing that the abolition of the approval process will take effect following the formal amendment of the regulation, which is currently awaiting the State Council's approval.