Strengthening oil pollution claims handling capacity in Africa

Representatives from Benin, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Mauritania, Senegal and Togo enhanced their understanding of IMO Liability Conventions focused on international liability and compensation regime for oil pollution damage. Through practical exercises, participants developed skills in claims preparation, evidence gathering, impact assessment and negotiation.

The workshop was delivered jointly by experts from ITOPF and the International Group of P&I Clubs, who shared practical experience in applying international liability and compensation regimes. Participants also gained a clearer understanding of the roles of the IOPC Funds, ITOPF and P&I Clubs in the compensation process.

Hosted by Centre Ivoirien Antipollution (CIAPOL), the workshop was delivered through IMO's Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) under the Global Initiative for West, Central and Southern Africa (GI WACAF). The training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional capacity for oil spill preparedness, response and compensation across western and central Africa.

Following the workshop, participants attended CIAPOL's 12th national oil spill response exercise, POLLUMAR (11-13 June), which tested national response arrangements under the OPRC Convention. The GI WACAF team participated in the exercise as evaluators.