The meeting brought together representatives of the IOPC Funds, the International Group of P&I Clubs, major Indian oil companies and other stakeholders from the maritime, shipping, oil and legal sectors. Capt. Harinder Singh, DDG (Technical) and Nautical Surveyor, represented DGMA during the discussions.     A key focus of the meeting was India’s role as the largest contributor to the IOPC Funds’ compensation regime. Discussions covered the functioning of the Funds, the international mechanisms for addressing oil pollution incidents and the importance of coordination among stakeholders in ensuring effective compensation arrangements.    The meeting provided a platform for engagement between national and international stakeholders on issues concerning oil pollution liability, compensation mechanisms and maritime environmental protection.     Organisations participating in the meeting included Reliance Industries Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), the International Group of P&I Clubs, the IOPC Funds, the Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA) and Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai.     DGMA reiterated its commitment to continued engagement with industry stakeholders and international organisations to support effective oil pollution compensation mechanisms and strengthen environmental protection in the maritime sector.     

The discussions assume significance for India’s maritime industry, given the country’s extensive oil imports, growing seaborne trade and the need for robust international arrangements to address the financial and environmental consequences of oil pollution incidents.