IMO Promotes Wreck Removal

International Maritime Organization (IMO) is continuing its work to promote ratification of the international treaty covering wreck removal – at the 10th Maritime Salvage & Casualty Response Conference in London, this week (11-12 September).

Depending on its location, a shipwreck may be a hazard to navigation, potentially endangering other vessels and their crews.

The Nairobi Convention covers the legal basis for States to remove, or have removed, shipwrecks, drifting ships, objects from ships at sea, and floating offshore installations.

The Nairobi convention includes provisions for coastal States to take action in cases of container fires on board ships, as well as loss of containers.

The Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention has been in force since 2015 and currently has 47 contracting States, representing 73% of world gross tonnage.