IMO Workshop in Cameroon to Strengthen Maritime Liability and Compensation Framework

IMO is facilitating progress in ratifying, implementing, and enforcing liability instruments in Cameroon through a workshop held in Yaoundé from October 21-25. The workshop focuses on liability and compensation for damages incurred during maritime transportation, such as oil pollution and wreck removal. It covers a range of IMO conventions, international legal instruments, and guidance to enhance understanding and compliance.

During the workshop, IMO legal experts are providing insights to Cameroonian officials on the law-making process and implementation of IMO conventions in national legislation. This exchange of knowledge includes sharing national experiences in drafting maritime laws and addressing challenges in implementing IMO instruments. The goal is to inform future IMO initiatives on liability and compensation issues.

In his opening speech, the Minister of Transport of Cameroon emphasized the importance of acceding to and domesticating relevant IMO instruments on liability and compensation. This would ensure timely payments for damages caused by maritime transport incidents and promote sustainable shipping practices. The Minister proposed a follow-up conference on maritime insurance in Kribi next year to further strengthen compliance with relevant IMO conventions. Cameroon has already acceded to the Civil Liability Convention of 1992 and is a State Party to the 1992 Fund Convention.

The national workshop is a collaboration between the Ministry of Transport of Cameroon, the Cameroon Shippers’ Council, and IMO. It aims to enhance Cameroon’s understanding and implementation of IMO liability instruments to ensure effective compensation for damages caused by maritime activities. The event was covered by Canal2International in a news story, providing further visibility to the workshop and its outcomes.

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