Our Centre held a Public Policy Research Seminar on Ship-Source Pollution

Dr. Ling Zhu, Assistant Professor, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, and IMC-Frank Tsao Maritime Library and Research & Development Centre (IMCC) jointly hosted a public policy research seminar on the topic of “Assessing the Legal and Policy Framework for Controlling and Remedying Ship-Source Pollution in Hong Kong” on January 20, 2015. As part of the Public Policy Research project entitled ‘Is the Polluter Paying? Assessing the Application of the “Polluter -Pays” Principle (PPP) to Ship-source Pollution in Hong Kong’ (PI: Dr. Ling Zhu), this seminar is purposed to increase the public awareness on the ship-source pollution in Hong Kong, understanding government efforts in controlling pollution from ships, and the view of the shipping industries on the issue. Over 50 participants, including academic staff, industry practitioners, government officials, students and alumni, attended the seminar.

Prof. Meifeng Luo, Director of the IMCC addressed the opening speech and four speakers shared with participants their insights on the legal and policy framework of controlling and remedying ship-source pollution in Hong Kong from perspectives of scholar, port authority, shipowner and insurer. Dr. Ling Zhu explained the PPP in ship-source pollution law and showed the Hong Kong industry’s concern about ship-source pollution. Mr. C.C. Choi, Senior Surveyor of Ships, HKSAR Marine Department, introduced the legislation and measures implemented by HKSAR government to control ship-source pollution. Mr. Arthur Bowring, Managing Director of Hong Kong Shipowners Association shared with audience his in-depth knowledge on regulation and control of ship-source pollution in Hong Kong from viewpoint of shipowners. Dr. Wei Fan, Vice President of SKULD Far East Ltd., illustrated P&I Club’s role on controlling and remedying the ship-source pollution through a real case “Hebei Spirit” Oil Spill, which was the largest oil spill case in South Korea.

This seminar provided a platform for academics and industry practitioners to exchange views on legal and policy framework of controlling and remedying ship-source pollution in Hong Kong; as well as to enhance the understanding of the necessity to adopt additional measures as those being based upon the PPP.