In contrast, the latest figures published by the International Association of Classification Authorities (IACS) show that, to date, IACS surveyors have certified only 8.25 per cent of the ships (tankers, bulk carriers and other types of vessel) requiring ISM Code certification by next year. It is the experience of INTERTANKO members that the process of achieving ISM Code Certification takes at least 12 months. The Association urges all those shipowners who have not already done so to begin with the ISM Code audit procedure as soon as possible.

Dr Roberto Salvarani, Head of the Maritime Safety Unit at the European Commission's Transport Directorate, confirmed that ports in the European Union will not allow ships without ISM Code certification to enter their waters. This follows a similar stance already adopted by the US Coast Guard. INTERTANKO itself will not allow a company which has not achieved the necessary ISM Code certification to be a member after 1 July 1998.

INTERTANKO has applauded the recent efforts by IACS to tighten up and enforce high standards of maritime safety, the most recent example of which was its decision to suspend the Polish Register of Shipping until certain ship surveying procedures have been improved. It is of utmost importance that IACS strictly applies its own audit standards to classification society members.


Detention of ‘Nissos Amorgos’ in Venezuela

The Executive Committee and Council of INTERTANKO have received a full report on the continuing detention of the tanker ‘Nissos Amorgos’ and her captain in Venezuela, following a grounding and subsequent pollution in the Maracaibo Channel on 28 February.

INTERTANKO is deeply concerned that little progress has been made in the matter despite a number of positive initiatives intended to meet local demands. INTERTANKO is to issue a bulletin to all its members to exercise extreme caution in relation to transit of the Maracaibo Channel which, reports suggest, is in a poor condition.


INTERTANKO Resolution on Venezuelan ship detention

INTERTANKO’s Council has adopted the following Resolution in relation to the detention of the Nissos Amorgos in Venezuela.


Resolution

INTERTANKO, whilst recognizing the sovereign rights of all individual states, deplores attempts made by governments in various parts of the world to characterize the conduct of masters and crews as criminal for the primary purpose of pressuring their employers, especially when such action involves the detention of such seafarers without charge or any ascertainable basis over alleged wrongdoing.

INTERTANKO further deplores the detention of vessels by governments who are parties to CLC/Fund Convention despite the provision of security in accordance with the Conventions.


INTERTANKO Mission Statement

INTERTANKO’s Council has adopted a Mission Statement for INTERTANKO which spells out in detail the aims of the Association and the means of achieving these goals. The Statement lays down the conditions for membership of INTERTANKO and, for the first time, specifies the responsibilities which must be borne by individual member companies. The document recognises that INTERTANKO is but one link in the 'Chain of Responsibility', that all links are closely related and that each link must carry its share of the responsibility for upholding the principles of safe transport, cleaner seas and free competition.


MISSION STATEMENT

INTERTANKO is committed to working for safe transport, cleaner seas and free competition.

INTERTANKO is committed to strengthening the position of the Independent Tanker Owners in the tanker industry in particular and in society in general.

Where necessary to ensure marine safety and environmental protection, INTERTANKO will provide leadership in the development and implementation of technically sound, cost-effective regulations and industry standards. Given the global nature of the industry such regulations and industry standards must be applied uniformly and on an international basis.

INTERTANKO recognises that the responsibility for upholding the principles of safe transport, cleaner seas and free competition depends on many participants in the tanker industry who are closely linked together. INTERTANKO is committed to ensuring that the independent owners are a strong link in a Chain of Responsibility. INTERTANKO encourages the other links to maintain and develop similar high standards.

INTERTANKO will achieve its goals through active participation by its Members and by seeking support from and co-operation with Authorities, other shipping organisations, its Associate Members, the general public and other interests.


All members of INTERTANKO will:

Implement a certified ISM system within the required compliance date

Classify all tankers by a Classification Society audited and approved with IACS

Enter all tankers in a P&I Club

Maintain satisfactory oil pollution response plans and insurance cover.


INTERTANKO’s vision is for a competitive tanker market in which independent tanker owners provide, and charterers employ, safe vessels offering the maximum degree of marine and environmental protection to meet the world’s demand for safe and efficient oil transportation.


Richard du Moulin re-elected Chairman

At its meeting in Athens on 27 May the INTERTANKO Council re-elected Richard du Moulin as Chairman of the Association for a second year. Philip A Embiricos, C C Tung and Francis Vallat, who had been Vice-Chairmen, were not available for re-election. They were thanked most warmly by the Council and the Annual General Meeting for their excellent contribution to the work of the Association.

The Council re-elected Erik Behn, Otto H Fritzner, Ran Hettena, Westye Høegh, Erric B. Kertsikoff and Hans Laurin as Executive Committee members. In addition, the following new members were elected to the Executive Committee: Nicholas Fistes (Ceres Hellenic Shipping Enterprises), K H Koo (Tai Chong Cheang Steamship Co), Joseph Kwok (Neptune Orient Line), H Ogata (Mitsui OSK Lines) and Spyros Polemis (Seacrest Shipping).

Westye Høegh, Erric Kertsikoff and Hans Laurin were elected Vice-Chairmen of the Executive Committee. The Council also decided to increase the maximum number of Committee members from 11 to 12.


Hellenic INTERTANKO Tanker Forum

The Greek members of INTERTANKO have established the Hellenic INTERTANKO Tanker Forum to facilitate and enhance the dialogue and cooperation between the Association and its members within the Greek tanker community, both in Greece and abroad.

More specifically, the Hellenic INTERTANKO Tanker Forum has been formed to provide an open forum for the Greek members of the Association and to enhance their participation. The Forum will identify specific issues of interest/concern that can be addressed properly within an international framework.

The Greek tanker owners proposed the formation of the Forum following a visit to Athens by INTERTANKO Chairman, Richard du Moulin in October 1996. Erric Kertsikoff of Eletson Corporation played a key role in formalising the support of the Greek owners and ensuring the initiative came to fruition. In recent months the Greek fleet has been the fastest growing sector of INTERTANKO`s Membership. Since the beginning of 1996 12 new Greek members with 66 tankers totalling 4.1 million dwt have joined the Association.