Asian Shipowners Association

Transcription

1 Asian Shipowners Association 5th February 2018 ASA/2018/025 NOTICE FOR THE 27TH ASA MEETING KERRY HOTEL, HONG KONG MAY 2018 HOSTED BY: HONG KONG SHIPOWNERS ASSOCATION TO: ASA MEMBERS 5 STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN The 27th ASA AGM will be held at The Kerry Hotel in Hong Kong from 14 to 16 May 2018, hosted by the Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA). The Kerry Hotel opened in 2017 is located at 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. It is seamlessly connected to the rest of Hong Kong via MTR, ferry, taxi and limousine services, and a bus interchange station. The hotel is only steps away from Tsim Sha Tsui East shopping district and within easy reach of many of Hong Kong s most famous attractions. On behalf of Mr Jack Hsu, Chairman of the 27th ASA, it is my pleasure to inform you that preparations for the meeting are well underway. Please find below the details of the programme and respective activities which require your preparation and planning. 1. OUTLINE OF ACTIVITIES (ANNEX 1) The Kerry Hotel in Hunghom, Hong Kong, will be the venue of the 27th ASA. An outline of activities is attached as ANNEX 1. Chairmen and Secretary Generals of ASA member associations are requested to reach the hotel in time for the ASA Chairmen s Meeting to be held from 1400H on 14 May 2018 (Lunch for attendees is arranged at 1230H). 10 Anson Road #16-18 International Plaza Singapore Tel Fax information@asa.org.sg Website: 1 of 6.

2 Secretaries of the 5 Standing Committees are requested to arrive at the hotel in time for the Press Release Drafting Meeting to be held at 1600H on 14 May Cocktail Reception / Welcome Dinner to be held at the Harbour Room (4F) will begin at 1800H Monday, 14 May Please find (ANNEX 3.2) the hotel venues for the respective meetings and Dinner. 2. DELEGATES AND ACCOMPANYING PERSONS LIST (ANNEX 2) Please complete and return the Delegates and Accompanying Persons List (ANNEX 2) to the ASA Secretariat and copy to HKSOA no later than 16 March HOTEL ROOM REGISTRATION (ANNEX 3) We recommend that all delegates stay at the Kerry Hotel, as it will be convenient for the meetings and social events. A block booking at specially discounted rates has been negotiated with the hotel. Please make your room reservation by the E-Reservation Link below given by the hotel : &check_out= For information on room type and rates, kindly refer to the Hotel Details (ANNEX 3). Details of the accommodations in the hotel are available via the hotel website ( The Kerry Hotel Room Reservation contact details: address is reservations.khhk@thekerryhotels.com Contact No: + (852) or (852) We would appreciate your advice if your delegates decide to stay at a different hotel. Transportation Arrangement Travelling time from Hong Kong International Airport to the Kerry Hotel is approximately 30 minutes. The protocol-transportation with charges is available from airport to Hotel, please refer to (ANNEX3.1). 10 Anson Road #16-18 International Plaza Singapore Tel Fax information@asa.org.sg Website: 2 of 6.

3 4. ACTIVITIES REGISTRATION FORM (ANNEX 4) We have arranged a full programme of activities for delegates and accompanying persons over the period of the Forum. We encourage your active participation to make this a memorable event. The schedule and dress code for the key events are as follows: DATE EVENT DRESS CODE 14 May 2018 ASA Chairmen s Meeting Business Press Release Drafting Meeting Business Welcome Dinner Smart Casual 15 May Standing Committee Meetings ASA Annual General Meeting Press Release Finalisation Meeting ASA Shipping Forum Dinner 16 May 2018 Golf Day Tour Business Business Business Business Smart Casual or National Dress Attire for Golf Players and Tennis Shoes for Tennis Players Smart Casual Business Jacket without Tie Smart Casual Shirt and Long Pants Golf Attire Men : Golf Shirt with golf pants or slacks Ladies : Ladies golf fashion Tour Programs Tour programs have been arranged for accompanying persons on 15 May 2018 and non-golfers on 16 May More information will be advised in due course. Golfing Requirements For delegates participating in the 60 th anniversary Golf Day, please kindly indicate in the Activities Registration Form (ANNEX 4) the following: i) Handicap ii) Golf club rental requirements Please complete and return the Activities Registration Form (ANNEX 4) to the ASA Secretariat and copy to HKSOA by 16 March Anson Road #16-18 International Plaza Singapore Tel Fax information@asa.org.sg Website: 3 of 6.

4 5. VISA REQUIREMENTS Visitors from particular countries must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Hong Kong. Some delegates attending the 27th ASA AGM may require a VISA and it is recommended that advice is obtained from travel agents or the local Chinese Embassy regarding the application requirements and procedures. For more information please refer to the following : HKSOA will send the delegates original notarised invitation letters by courier. Please complete and return the Visa Requirement Form (ANNEX 5) to the ASA Secretariat and copy to HKSOA by 01 March THE 27TH ASA COMMEMORATIVE ALBUM Chairman's Message and Photograph As usual, we will include in the Album a message from the Chairman or President of each ASA Association. The message should be 200 to 300 words in length. Please send or to ASA Secretariat and copy to HKSOA by 16 March A colour photograph of the Chairman or President with name written on the reverse of the photograph should also be sent to ASA Secretariat by 16 March For digital images, due to printing requirements, please provide a digital image of high resolution (350dpi or more). Kindly name the digital image file using the delegate s name. If there is any concern on the quality of the digital image or if the digital image is unavailable, please kindly supply a physical print of the photograph and send to ASA Secretariat by 16 March Delegates' Photographs A colour photograph of each delegate with name written on the reverse of the photograph is to be sent to the ASA Secretariat by 16 March Please note that if the delegates photographs are not received by 16 March 2018, they will not be included in the Commemorative Album. For digital images, due to printing requirements, please provide a digital image of high resolution (350dpi or more). Kindly name the digital image file using the delegate s name. If there is any concern on the quality of the digital image or if the digital image is unavailable, please kindly supply a physical print of the photograph and send to ASA Secretariat by 16 March Standing Committee Members List 10 Anson Road #16-18 International Plaza Singapore Tel Fax information@asa.org.sg Website: 4 of 6.

5 Standing Committee Secretaries are kindly requested to submit the latest list of the members of their committee to the ASA Secretariat and copy to HKSOA by 16 March The information required from each Committee is as follows: i) Name of Chairman ii) Name of Vice-Chairman (if any) iii) Names of Members iv) The title / name of the company and name of the Association of each member 7. 5 STANDING COMMITTEE DOCUMENTS AND CHAIRMAN S REPORT The Secretary of the 5 Standing Committees are kindly requested to prepare their Committee Documents and Chairman s Report and them to the ASA Secretariat by 16 March Committees holding their Interim Meetings after 16 March 2018 are requested to submit their Committee Documents and Chairman s Report to the ASA Secretariat as soon as possible after their respective interim meetings are held. Committee Date Location SC 23rd Interim Meeting 23 October 2017 Nanjing, China SILC 23rd Interim Meeting 19 March 2018 Hong Kong SNEC 34th Interim Meeting 26 March 2018 Singapore SPC 30 th Interim Meeting 15 March 2018 Tokyo SRC 21st Interim Meeting March 2018 Taipei 8. PRESS RELEASE A press release will be issued after the meeting. In this respect, each Standing Committee is requested to consider ONE ITEM of their issues to be expressed in the Press Release, and how to describe it in as few words as possible. A copy of the Press Release issued at the last ASA in 2017 is attached as ANNEX 6 for your reference. We will try to compile a draft Press Release and send it to all Associations for consideration prior to the meeting. All Standing Committee Secretaries are therefore 10 Anson Road #16-18 International Plaza Singapore Tel Fax information@asa.org.sg Website: 5 of 6.

6 requested to send their respective drafts to the ASA Secretariat by 30 April 18 at the latest. Last but not least, the HKSOA will also be hosting the AGM for the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) in the same week on 16 to 18 May as shown in Annex 1. While ICS delegates will be invited to join the ASA Dinner held on the evening of 15 May in Kerry Hotel and the Golf Day/day tours held in the Lantau Island on the morning of 16 May, all ASA delegates and their accompanying persons are invited to join the ICS Cocktail Reception held on 16 May (1800H H) in Kerry Hotel and the Gala Dinner held at Jumbo Seafood Restaurant on 17 May (1730H H). We thank the HKSOA for the arrangements, and envisage that these joint events will provide good networking opportunities for both ASA and ICS delegates. We very much look forward to welcoming you in Hong Kong in May. Yours faithfully, Ang Chin Eng Secretary General ASA Encl. **************** 10 Anson Road #16-18 International Plaza Singapore Tel Fax information@asa.org.sg Website: 6 of 6.

7 ANNEX 1 THE 27TH ASA Kerry Hotel Hong Kong MAY 2018 OUTLINE OF ACTIVITIES TIME ACTIVITY VENUE PARTICIPANTS Monday 14 May :30 14:00 Lunch for ASA Chairmen and Secretary Generals & FASA Chairmen and Secretary Generals Hung Hom Room 3 Level 1 Chairmen and Secretary Generals of ASA Member Associations ASA Secretary General FASA Chairmen and Secretary Generals 14:00 16:00 Business Attire ASA Chairmen s Meeting Hung Hom Room 5 Chairmen and Secretary Generals of ASA Member Associations Level 1 ASA Secretary General 16:00 17:00 Business Attire Press Release Drafting Meeting Hung Hom Room 5 Secretary Generals of ASA Member Associations Level 1 Secretaries of 5 Standing Committees ASA Secretary General 18:00 21:30 Smart Casual Cocktail Reception / Welcome Dinner (light buffet) Harbour Room Level 4 All ASA Delegates and Accompanying Persons Shipping Forum Guests and Accompanying Persons Page 1 of 4

8 ANNEX 1 Tuesday 15 May :00 10:00 Breakfast Big Bay Café Level 3 All 08:30-09:30 Business Attire 5 Standing Committee Meetings Hung Hom Room 3 7 Level 1 Seafarers Committee Ship Insurance & Liability Committee Safe Navigation & Environment Committee Committee Chairmen and Members Registered Delegates Shipping Policy Committee Ship Recycling Committee ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 09:45 10:00 Opening Ceremony Business Attire 10:00 11:15 Business Attire 5 Standing Committee Reports Grand Ballroom Level 2 All ASA Delegates 11:15 11:45 Finance and Administration Business Attire 11:45 12:15 Business Attire Group Photograph Participants please gather outside the hotel lobby (Level 1) Outside the Hotel Lobby Level 1 Please gather in the hotel lobby if it is raining 12:15 12:45 Business Attire Press Release Finalisation Meeting Hung Hom Room 7 Chairmen and Secretary Generals of ASA Member Associations Level 1 Chairmen and Secretaries of 5 Standing Committees ASA Secretary General Page 2 of 4

9 ANNEX 1 12:15 14:00 Lunch (Buffet) Hung Hom Room 1+2 Level 1 All ASA Delegates and Accompanying Persons Shipping Forum Guests and Accompanying Persons ASA SHIPPING FORUM All ASA Delegates 14:00 15:00 Discussion Shipping Forum Guests Business Attire 15:00 15:20 Coffee Break Grand Ballroom Business Attire Level 2 15:20 16:30 Discussion (continued) Business Attire 18:00 21:30 Gala Dinner Grand Ballroom All ASA Delegates and Accompanying Persons Smart Casual or National dress Level 2 Shipping Forum Guests and Accompanying Persons ICS Delegates and Accompanying Persons :00 16:00 (Departure on Time) Casual Discover Hong Kong - tour and lunch (Participants are requested to gather at the Hotel Lobby Level 1 by 08:45) Accompanying Persons Page 3 of 4

10 ANNEX 1 Wednesday 16 May 2018 Joint event for ASA, ICS and HKSOA in celebration of HKSOA 60th Anniversary 06:00 10:00 Breakfast Big Bay Café (Level 3) Non-Golfers / Non-Tennis Players 06:30 13:00 Golf Attire / Tennis Wear 09:00 13:00 Casual Golf, Tennis and Breakfast (Golf and Tennis participants are requested to gather at Hotel Lobby Level 1 at 06:15) Breakfast will be served on the bus. Hike Lantau for mountain hikers Play Lantau for sight-seeing (Participants are requested to gather at the Hotel Lobby Level 1 by 08:45) Discovery Bay Golf Club, Golfers Tennis Players Lantau Island (for the tournaments or group coaching classes) Lantau Island Non-Golfers / Non-Tennis players 13:00 15:00 Luncheon and prize presentation ceremony Discovery Bay Golf Club, Lantau Island Golfers Tennis Players Participants of Hike Lantau and Play Lantau Important Notes : HKSOA is also hosting the 2018 AGM for the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) during the period from 16 th to 18 th May. All ASA delegates and their accompanying persons are most welcome to join the cocktail reception hosted for the ICS on 16 th May at 18:00-21:00 in Kerry Hotel and the Gala Dinner hosted for the ICS on 17 th May at 17:30 22:00 in Jumbo Seafood Restaurant. A formal invitation for the events will be extended to all ASA delegates and their accompanying persons in due course. Business Jacket without Tie Smart Casual Shirt and Long Pants Golf Attire Men: Golf Shirt with collar, golf pants or slacks Ladies: Ladies golf fashion Page 4 of 4

11 ANNEX 2 THE 27th ASA AGM Hong Kong MAY 2018 DELEGATES AND ACCOMPANYING PERSONS LIST (Please print in block letters and return by 16 March 2018) Date : To : Copy: S/N Name (Include salutation: Mr, Mrs, Mdm, Capt, etc.) Head of Delegation Name of Delegate) (Name of Accompanying Persons) Name of Delegate) (Name of Accompanying Persons) (Name of Accompanying Persons) (Name of Accompanying Persons) ASA Secretariat Ms Julie Ng Tel : (65) Fax : (65) julieng@asa.org.sg HKSOA Secretariat Ms. Peggy Kan Tel : (852) Fax : (852) peggy.kan@hksoa.org From: Name of Association: Contact Person: Tel: Fax: Title in Association Title in Company Name of company Page 1 of 2

12 ANNEX 2 S/N Name (Include salutation: Mr, Mrs, Mdm, Capt, etc.) Title in Association Title in Company Name of company 5 (Name of Accompanying Persons) 6 (Name of Accompanying Persons) Page 2 of 2

13 ANNEX 3 THE 27TH ASA AGM Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong MAY 2018 HOTEL DETAILS 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong 1. Hotel Room & Rates Room Type Single Room (HKD) Twin Room (HKD) Deluxe City View Room HK$1,900 HK$2,100 Deluxe Sea View Room HK$2,150 HK$2,350 Premier Sea View Room HK$2,350 HK$2,550 Club Sea View Room HK$2,500 HK$2,700 Executive Sea View Room HK$4,500 HK$4,500 Remarks Subject to 10% service charge per room per night. Inclusive of complimentary daily buffet breakfast. (The group rates quoted above include one breakfast for single room and two breakfasts for double room) Inclusive of complimentary in-room wired internet and Wi-Fi access. Inclusive of complimentary mini-bar upon arrival (exclusive liquor & wines) 2. E-reservation Link N130518&check_in= &check_out= a) enter all the necessary stay requirements like check-in date, check-out date, number of rooms, adults and children; b) Under the "Special Rate" area, select "Group Code" and enter the Group Code "HON130518" ; c) Click the Check Availability button to continue to make your booking. Page 1 of 2

14 ANNEX 3 3. Check-in / Check-out Check-in time starts at 3:00pm on the day of arrival Check-out time is at noon 12:00pm on the day of departure Delegates who wish to occupy their Guest Room before 3pm must reserve the Guest Room for a night prior to the arrival date. Delegates who check out after the normal check-out time, i.e. 12pm shall be charged 50% of the applicable group rate per room. A full night s rate per room will be charged for check-out required after 4pm. Late check-out can be pre-arranged and is subject to availability. 4. Cancellation Policy All room block that are not reserved on or before 27 April 2018 will be cancelled and may be resold by the hotel. Any bookings made after 27 April 2018 will be on a space availability basis at the prevailing Best Available Rate. Cancellation of any Guest Rooms after cut-off date 27 April 2018 or failure of delegates to Check-in to the Hotel for any of the dates of the Room Block shall incur a charge equivalent to the full period of the reservation. ******** Page 2 of 2

15 ANNEX 3.1 Transportation from Hong Kong International Airport to Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong ( AIRPORT CONNECTIONS The journey from Hong Kong International Airport to Kerry Hotel takes 30 minutes on the Airport Express Train. In addition, the hotel s fleet of luxury cars, which includes Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW vehicles, is available for private airport transfers. Hong Kong International Airport is 35 km away from Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong. HOTEL LIMOUSINE CAR TYPE X5 BMW A8 Audi (maximum 3 persons & 3 standard suitcases) CHARGES (per trip) HKD 700 HKD 800 Mercedes Vinao (6-seater) (maximum 5 persons & 5 standard suitcases) HKD 900 * TAXIS Taxis are readily available at the airport. A one-way journey, which takes approximately 30 minutes, costs around HKD 350. Charges for extra luggage and a toll fee apply. * AIRPORT EXPRESS The Airport Express train departs from the airport s Main Arrival Hall every 10 minutes. The one-way trip, which takes approximately 20 minutes, costs HKD 105 to Kowloon Station.

16 27th ASA mee*ng, Hong Kong 27th ASA Mee*ng, Hong Kong Tuesday Monday 14 Monday 14 May ASA & ICS May ASA Chairmen s Mee*ng AGM ASA ASA Chairmen s 14 mee8ng May 2018 mee*ng HUNG HOM BALLROOM Ballroom Ceiling Height 4.1 m Hallway Ceiling Height 3.6 m Foyer Index Digital Signage S Screen ANNEX 3.2 S Hallway A Hallway B S S Hung Hom Ballroom 5 for ASA Chairmen s Meeting Window S Window Window Hung Hom Ballroom 6 for FASA Committee Meeting Level 1

17 ANNEX th ASA mee*ng, Hong Kong 27th ASA Mee*ng, Hong Kong Tuesday ASA & ICS May Tuesday 15 May 2018 AGM Standing CommiGee Standing 15 Mee*ngs May Commi>ee 2018 CommiIee Mee8ngs Mee*ngs HUNG HOM BALLROOM 3 7 Ballroom Ceiling Height 4.1 m Hallway Ceiling Height 3.6 m Foyer Index Digital Signage S Screen S Hallway A Hallway B S S Hung Hom Ballroom 3 7 for Breakout Rooms Window S Window Window Level 1

18 27th ASA mee*ng, Hong Kong Tuesday 27th ASA Mee*ng, May Hong 2018 Kong - AGM & ASA Shipping Forum ASA Tuesday 15 & May ICS 2018 AGM - Annual General 2018 Mee*ng 15 & ASA May Shipping 2018 Forum GRAND BALLROOM Ballroom Ceiling Height 6.5 m Harbour View Foyer Ceiling Height m Pre-function Foyer Ceiling Height 2.7m Grand Ballroom 1+2 for Annual General Meeting & ASA Shipping Forum Bridal Room Index Digital Signage Pillar P Projector S Screen ANNEX 3.2 Pre-function Foyer LED Wall P Staircase Pre-function Foyer Harbour View Foyer Level 2

19 ANNEX th ASA mee*ng, Hong Kong 27th ASA Mee*ng, Hong Kong Tuesday Tuesday ASA 15 & May 15 ICS May AGM - Press 2018 Release Finalisa*on Press 15 Mee*ng Release May 2018 Finaliza8on Finalisa*on mee8ng Mee*ng HUNG HOM BALLROOM 7 Ballroom Ceiling Height 4.1 m Hallway Ceiling Height 3.6 m Foyer Index Digital Signage S Screen S S Hallway A Hallway B Hung Hom Ballroom 7 for Press Release Finalization Meeting S Window S Window Window Level 1

20 ANNEX 4 THE 27th ASA AGM Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong MAY 2018 ACTIVITIES REGISTRATION FORM (Please print in block letters and return by 16 March 2018) Date : To : Copy: ASA Secretariat Ms Julie Ng Tel : (65) Fax : (65) julieng@asa.org.sg HKSOA Secretariat Ms Peggy Kan Tel : (852) Fax : (852) peggy.kan@hksoa.org From: Name of Association: Contact Person: Tel: Fax: All delegates and accompanying persons are invited to participate in all events, except those which have been marked with the following codes: CODE PARTICIPANTS RESTRICTED TO: Chairmen of ASA Members and their Secretary Generals ASA Secretary General Secretary Generals of ASA Members Secretaries of 5 Standing Committees ASA Secretary General Committee Chairmen and Members Registered Delegates Chairmen of ASA Members and their Secretary Generals Chairmen of 5 Standing Committees and their Secretaries ASA Secretary General Page 1 of 4

21 ANNEX 4 Please indicate: Y if attending, N if not attending Monday 14 May 2018 Tuesday 15 May 2018 Wednesday 16 May 2018 Thursday 17 May 2018 Name of Delegates and Accompanying Persons ASA Chairmen s Meeting Press Release Drafting Meeting Cocktail Reception & Welcome Dinner 5 Standing Committee Meetings SRC SPC SNEC SILC SC Annual General Meeting Lunch ASA Shipping Forum Press Release Finalisation Meeting ASA Gala Dinner Optional Tour (Accompanying Persons) City Tour Heritage Tour Golf & Tennis Game Optional Tour (Non-Golfers) Hike Lantau Play Lantau ICS Welcome Cocktail ICS Gala Dinner Head of Delegation (Name of Accompanying Persons) (Name of Accompanying Persons) (Name of Accompanying Persons) (Name of Accompanying Persons) (Name of Accompanying Persons) (Name of Accompanying Persons) Page 2 of 4

22 ANNEX 4 Dietary Requirement Please include any special dietary requirements for delegates or accompanying person (ie Vegetarian/No Pork/No Beef) Name : Dietary Requirement : Name : Dietary Requirement : Name : Dietary Requirement : Name : Dietary Requirement : Golf Day requirements Name of Player Handicap Rental of Golf Clubs Right Hand Player Left Hand Player (Mr/Mrs/Ms) (Please ) (Please ) (Please ) Page 3 of 4

23 THE 27th ASA AGM Hong Kong MAY 2018 VISA REQUIREMENT FORM (Please print in block letters and return by 01 March 2018) ANNEX 5 Date : To : Copy: ASA Secretariat Ms Julie Ng Tel : (65) Fax : (65) julieng@asa.org.sg HKSOA Secretariat Ms Peggy Kan Tel : (852) Fax : (852) peggy.kan@hksoa.org From: Name of Association: Contact Person: Tel: Fax: Name of Delegates and Accompanying Person Country of Birth Date of Birth Nationality Passport No. Expiry Date of Passport Name of Company Address of Company Tel. Fax (Name of Accompanying Persons) (Name of Accompanying Persons) (Name of Accompanying Persons) Page 1 of 2

24 ANNEX (Name of Accompanying Persons) (Name of Accompanying Persons) (Name of Accompanying Persons) Page 2 of 2

25 ANNEX 6 Asian Shipowners Association 25 th May 2017 Taipei, Taiwan Press Release For Immediate Release The Asian Shipowners Association (ASA) held its 26 th Annual General Meeting on 25 th May 2017 in Taipei, Taiwan, hosted by the National Association of Chinese Shipowners (NACS). Mr Vincent Lin, the 26th ASA President, welcomed delegates of member associations and called members to build stronger collaboration and unity amongst the shipping industry and regional partners. Understanding and implementation of STCW and MLC, 2006 The ASA has noted that the introduction of amendments and new requirements can often lead to difficulties when changing reasonable and appropriate practices in order to comply with new regulations. One area of concern is practical on board compliance with the work/rest hour provisions of MLC, 2006 and STCW. The ASA is given to understand that some ships may not be maintaining correct records of work/rest hours, and urges all members to ensure that records are maintained correctly. In addition, the ASA requests its members to support the master if instances are reported when the requirements are difficult to comply with. The Chairman of the ASA Seafarers Committee (SC), Mr Fu Xiangyang, said that fatigue is of major concern, and compliance with the provisions of STCW and MLC, 2006 is an important step to alleviate fatigue. It is also important to impress on seafarers that rest is essential, and that other distractions should be kept to a minimum during rest periods so as to combat fatigue. International CLC and Fund Conventions The ASA attaches great importance to the consistent application and interpretation of the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (CLC) and Fund Conventions. Concerns have arisen from recent interpretations of the Conventions with respect to the provisions concerning limitation of liability and the channelling of liability. 10 Anson Road #16-18 International Plaza Singapore Tel Fax information@asa.org.sg Website:

26 The ASA is therefore pleased that this issue will be further discussed at the next session of the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC) governing bodies. The ASA encourages States which are currently party to the 1969 CLC to migrate to the 1992 CLC, and requests all States to consider the benefits of ratification of the Supplementary Fund Protocol. The ASA furthermore encourages States to ratify the Protocol of 2010 to the Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Convention. The Chairman of the ASA Ship Insurance and Liability Committee (SILC), Mr Robert A. Ho, said that it is important for States to adopt the latest versions of the Conventions in order to take advantage of the latest increase in limits. IMO Regulations and Protection for Shipowners After years of uncertainty, progress was made in 2016 on two issues of utmost importance to the shipping industry. In September 2016, Finland acceded to the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention), which triggered the Convention as it pushed the tonnage of ratifying parties above the 35% tonnage threshold. A month later, at the 70 th session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 70), IMO agreed to confirm the implementation of the global sulphur limit of 0.50% m/m (mass/mass) with effect from 1 January Now that finally there are firm dates, shipowners must be prepared to work closely with their respective maritime administrations and IMO to ensure that the implementation of these regulations will be practical and enforceable. In addition, Mr. Esben Poulsson, Chairman of the ASA Safe Navigation and Environment Committee (SNEC), said that, As responsible shipowners, we are fully committed to complying with all legislation to safeguard the environment. We must also ensure, however, that shipowners, are not unfairly penalized when they are not able to fully comply due to circumstances beyond their control. Canal Tolls The ASA noted that securing a safe-transit environment at appropriate toll levels was crucially important for all Panama and Suez Canal users. Mr Eizo Murakami, Chairman of the ASA Shipping Economics Review Committee (SERC), said, The ASA should continue its efforts, in collaboration with international shipping organizations such as the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), to establish and maintain a regular dialogue mechanism between the respective authorities of the Panama/ Suez Canals and users of those canals in order to ensure a safe transit environment and prevent sudden and unjustified toll increases. 10 Anson Road #16-18 International Plaza Singapore Tel Fax information@asa.org.sg Website:

27 Hong Kong Convention In view of continued steady growth of world ship recycling demand, the ASA reconfirmed the necessity to continue to promote the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) as the single global standard. The ASA welcomed yard improvements in Alang, India and similar positive improvement activities taking place in other ship recycling countries. Dr. C. H. Yeh, Chairman of ASA Ship Recycling Committee (SRC), commented that Panama s September 2016 ratification and Turkey and Denmark s ratification in 2017, combined with the intent to ratify by other countries such as India, Japan, China and The Netherlands indicates a clear direction which will ensure early entry into force of the Convention. Ms Sabrina Chao, as Chairman of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA), was elected as the 27 th Asian Shipowners Association (ASA) President. Ms. Lisa Teo, as Chairman of Federation of ASEAN Shipowners Association (FASA), was elected as the Vice-President of ASA. ******** Editor s Note: The Asian Shipowners Association (ASA) is a voluntary organization of the shipowner associations of Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea and the Federation of ASEAN Shipowners Associations comprising shipping associations of ASEAN countries. The aims of the ASA are to promote the interests of Asian shipowners. Between annual ASA meetings, the ongoing work is carried out by five Standing Committees: The Shipping Economics Review Committee, the Seafarers Committee, the Ship Recycling Committee, the Safe Navigation and Environment Committee, and the Ship Insurance and Liability Committee. It has been estimated that ASA shipowners and managers control and operate around 50% of the world's cargo carrying fleet. 10 Anson Road #16-18 International Plaza Singapore Tel Fax information@asa.org.sg Website: