- Antifouling systems used on ships once again sparked heated debate at an IMO gathering. During the Technical Committee meeting to discuss Marine Environment Protection, delegates argued over issues surrounding the proposed ban on organotin in ship's paints.
At issue are the proposed dates by which organotins such as tributyltin (TBT) may no longer be used in ships' anti-fouling systems. An MEPC resolution proposes Jan 1, 2003 as the target date to stop application of TBT
antifoulants. It also proposes to completely prohibit the presence of organotin compounds in antifoulants by Jan. 1, 2008.
Delegates from states representing shipping interests argued the dates should be considered
tentative pending the creation of a legal instrument outlining terms of the ban. They requested Assembly members to consider problems with alternative antifoulant systems before making the ban dates permanent. Potential
problems raised include availability, performance and long term environmental effects of new antifoulants.
Many other representatives disagreed. Most of the European Union as well as the United States delegates felt the
antifoulant resolution should be passed as written by the Assembly. They felt the resolution sends a strong signal to the world's governments in opposition of organotin antifoulants. These delegates want to show strong
commitment to the MEPC's resolution and any changes should be opposed.
A lively discussion ensued, proving the divisiveness of the TBT antifoulant issue. Japan brought compromise to the group by explaining that the wording
of the resolution itself indicates the ban dates are not permanent. The resolution states:
- "... the Marine Environment Protection Committee should ensue a global prohibition of the application of organotin compounds..."
- Japan explained the phrase "should" is very important in the document's language. "Should" insinuates the dates are impermanent, without specifically stating "tentative." Apparently
this explanation appeased the nation's backing shipping interests, as all resolutions proposed by the MEPC were granted approval by the Assembly.
IMO Assembly elects new council for 2000-2001 biennium
From IMO Fax 16/99 - 19 November 1999
The Assembly of the International Maritime Organization has elected the following 32 States to be members of its Council
for the 2000-2001 biennium:
Category (a) Eight States with the largest interest in providing international shipping services; China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russian Federation, United Kingdom,
United States.
Category (b) Eight Other States with the largest interest in international seaborne trade; Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Sweden.
Category (c)
Sixteen States not elected under (a) or (b) above which have special interests in maritime transport or navigation, and whose election to the Council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas
of the world; Australia, Bahamas, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Turkey.
The Council is the Executive Organ of IMO and is
responsible, under the Assembly, for supervising the work of the Organization. Between sessions of the Assembly the Council performs all the functions of the Assembly, except that of making recommendations to Governments on
maritime safety and pollution prevention.
From Natasha Brown, Information Officer
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The International Maritime Organization -