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'Compelling need' for ports of refuge action: London P&I chairman

'Compelling need' for ports of refuge action: London P&I chairman
Chairman of the London P&I Club John Lyras has petitioned the international community for action on ports of refuge in the club's 2014 Annual Report.

Joining ICS, the International Union of Maritime Insurance (IUMI), Asian Shipowners Forum (ASF), Lloyd’s Register (LR) and the International Salvage Union (ISU), Lyras referenced the recent plight of chemical tanker Maritime Maisie, which remained stricken and adrift in the open ocean for over three months. “There is no easy answer. It is understandable that communities in areas of coastline where refuge may be sought will be reluctant to be exposed to the risk of pollution,” he said.

Lyras cited a “compelling need” for international action on the swift provision of ports of refuge for embattled vessels. “As part of that, the efforts of the International Group of P&I Clubs – including its outreach programme and ongoing work to engage with governments and authorities over issues involving both places of refuge and the removal of wrecks – are of great importance.”