Andrew Cutler, the Chair of the IG of P&I Clubs, introduces the 6 key strategic areas that the Group has agreed to focus on for the next three years, highlighting that data sharing can elevate safety standards and sharing their approach on how to enhance both industry’s safety and environmental performance.
Andrew explains that their objectives are multifaceted, each aimed at enhancing different aspects of maritime operations, in particular: The first priority is to ensure efficient and effective casualty response. While significant casualties are fortunately rare, not all maritime states have recent experience with large-scale incidents. Thus, IG Group aims to establish communication channels and share collective lessons learned regarding casualty management and preparedness. Additionally, they work towards establishing appropriate legal frameworks to address large-scale casualties, often formalizing agreements through memoranda of understanding with relevant governments.
Secondly, they support the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in implementing liability regimes for ship owners and operators globally. They hold consultative status at the IMO, offering expert industry advice and experience to aid in the development of IMO conventions. The International P&I clubs serve as crucial infrastructure for international shipping, underlining the importance of our role in supporting these conventions.
IG Club’s third objective revolves around promoting safety at sea, particularly for seafarers. In that regard, they collaborate with various industry bodies, governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to gather and share knowledge, moving towards greater data sharing to enhance safety standards.
Education is their fourth focus, emphasizing improved outreach activities within the maritime industry. By sharing knowledge and understanding of maritime operations and supporting quality training and development globally, they aim to strengthen the industry’s human capital.
Fifthly, the IG Group of P&I Clubs ensures members’ awareness of and compliance with sanctions. Additionally, they play a crucial role in supporting decarbonization efforts within the maritime sector. With the IMO’s recent adoption of a revised strategy to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by 2050, they encourage member clubs to support ship owners transitioning to alternative fuels.
