IMCA liaises with EU offshore regulators

Published on 26 January 2017

Promoting collaboration between key international and regional regulators – such as the IMO and the European Commission – to achieve common positions on matters which affect the operations of offshore contractors is a pivotal aspect of the work of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA).

Last week, on Thursday 19 January 2017, IMCA participated in the 13th session of the EU Offshore Authorities Group (EUOAG) in Brussels, where Eleni Antoniadou, IMCA Policy and Regulatory Affairs Adviser, gave a presentation on IMCA’s reporting tools (eCMID, Safety Flashes and Dynamic Positioning Station Keeping Event Report); the key role marine contractors play in supporting offshore safety; and how IMCA’s work fits in with the EUOAG’s objectives of major accident prevention and response in offshore oil and gas operations.

The EUOAG meeting was well-attended by national regulatory authorities, EU Commission officials and representatives of stakeholders (industry, trade unions and others) and focused on topical issues for the offshore community including: steps towards an energy specific strategy for cyber security; safety and environmental protection during operations in deepwater/high pressure conditions; and liability for offshore accidents.

“”The EU Offshore Regulators welcomed IMCA’s presentation and recognised the strong leadership role marine contractors have played in driving marine safety forward. IMCA looks forward to continuing its engagement with the EUOAG as well as sharing expertise and lessons learnt in promoting offshore safety,” commented Eleni Antoniadou.

“Our Policy and Regulatory Affairs team has an important role to play on behalf of our global membership being responsible for developing and delivering IMCA’s policy and regulatory strategy; and managing our relationship within organisations such as IMO and groups including EUOAG as well as representing members with other relevant third parties,” explains IMCA’s Chief Executive, Allen Leatt.

The EUOAG presentation was followed on 25 January by another on compliance with IMO Regulations affecting Marine Fuel and Overall Vessel Efficiency given by Eleni Antoniadou and IMCA’s Technical Manager, Mark Ford, at the 15th Vessel Efficiency & Fuel Management Summit held in London.