MPA, ITOPF Renew Oil Spill Compensation MOU

MPA and ITOPF renewed the MOU last week.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and not-for-profit organisation International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF) last week renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) first signed in 2007 aimed at expediting the processing of oil spill compensation claims, MPA has said in a press release.

The MOU on Oil Spill Resources was supported by the International Group of P&I Clubs and the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund, and in addition to establishing a pre-agreed schedule of rates to expedite claims settlements, the MOU was said to have helped ensure necessary resources were available to handle oil spills.

Mr Cheong Keng Soon, MPA's Director (Port), said: "The pre-agreed schedule of rates, as a result of the MOU, has come in useful during the post-incident claims and compensation process."

"The MOU is testimony to the close partnership forged between MPA and industry players in combating any oil spills and protecting the marine environment."

Mr Richard Johnson, Technical Director of ITOPF commented: "The MOU has proven successful in expediting compensation payment for the benefit of all involved parties. Having pre-agreed rates at the time of a spill is extremely helpful and it is most pleasing that the MPA and ITOPF have worked closely to keep the initiative alive and up to date."

"The MOU, along with arrangements whereby ITOPF is usually invited to work alongside MPA in order to offer advice and assistance during an incident, is a good example of industry/government co-operation."