ICS has sent a letter to the Canadian Government asking it to reconsider its proposed Moratorium on the shipment of crude oil concerning the waters of Northern British Columbia, adjacent to Alaska. ICS calls the proposed ban ‘draconian step’ as it could lead to serious concerns being raised by Canada’s international trading partners.
Such a measure would set an unwelcome precedent that might be emulated elsewhere, including by individual U.S States, with the potential to impact greatly on the efficiency of world trade as well as that of Canada, Peter Hinchliffe, Secretary General, ICS explains.
Mr. Hinchliffe highlights the importance of Canada adhering to its obligations under UNCLOS quoting:
‘’Our primary concern in writing to you is to emphasise the great importance of Canada adhering to its obligations under UNCLOS, in particular the rights to freedom of navigation and ‘innocent passage’ through a Party’s territorial waters as enshrined in Articles 87 and 90. ‘’
‘’We believe that a moratorium applicable to Canadian waters would be draconian step that could lead to serious concerns being raised by Canada’s international trading partners. Such a measure would set an unwelcome precedent that might be emulated elsewhere, including by individual U.S States, with the potential to impact greatly on the efficiency of world trade as well as that of Canada.’’ Mr Hinchliffe further states.
‘’We would therefore be very grateful if you could take full account of the comments submitted by the Canadian shipping industry, in particular the Chamber of Shipping of British Columbia, including the suggestion that the Government of Canada might consider alternative approaches to managing risks associated with coastal shipping. As suggested by the Canadian industry, such alternatives could include the establishment of marine transportation corridors to assist in the prevention of any risk of maritime incidents.’’ ICS Sec-Gen concluded his letter.
