BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): A stakeholder session to discuss several key international maritime conventions was held at Radisson Hotel recently to help move forward the process of the country’s ratification of the instruments.
The session, hosted by the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD), discussed the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL), the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC), and MARPOL Annex IV (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships).
Representatives from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) and MPABD exchanged views, concerns and solutions to jointly pave the way for Brunei Darussalam to become a party to the instrument, said the MPABD in a statement.
IMO Regional Coordinator (East Asia) Josephine Uranza underscored the importance of adhering to the international maritime conventions, especially in ensuring safe and fair practices across the entire international maritime sector.
MPABD said the session helped everyone gain a broader understanding of the agency’s role and standing, while also gathering perspectives on the ratification process.
Representatives from the AGC and MFA shared input on the three maritime conventions, highlighting the need to holistically review any changes, to achieve uniformity of application and rules across all IMO member states.
MPABD stated that each stakeholder valued the shared commitment to collaboratively improve Brunei's standing as one of IMO’s member states. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
