IMO to increase LLMC limits
The general limits of civil liability will be increased significantly after a meeting in the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Thus, the new liability limits will provide improved protection in case of a pollution accident with bunker oil, typically in case of a hole in a ship’s fuel tanks, the removal of wrecks and the like.
As mentioned above, not only the possibilities of having the expenses for clearing up after bunker oil spillages will be improved. Also the possibilities of compensating injuries to persons on board a ship stricken by an accident will be improved.
All in all, the amounts of the so-called 96 Protocol on liability limits will be increased by as much as 51 per cent. This means, for example, that a ship with a gross tonnage of 2,000 (corresponding to a ship of coaster size) will have its limit of civil liability for personal injury increased from DKK 17.5 million to DKK 26.4 million.
Similarly, the liability limit for damage to property will be increased from DKK 8.75 million to DKK 13.2 million. In case of accidents involving large ships, these amounts will be proportionally larger. The intention is for these regulations to enter into force internationally in 2015.
Another item on the agenda of the meeting held at the IMO was a discussion of compensation and liability in connection with transnational pollution damages caused by offshore accidents. Denmark made a distinct mark on the discussions by stressing several times the importance of establishing a new scheme. Despite of this, it was clear that many countries did not want global regulations, but preferred national or regional solutions. Consequently, the prospects of reaching a global solution seem poor.
Source :DMA