COMPENSATION FOR OIL POLLUTION DAMAGE CAUSED BY SHIPS: IS THE CLAIM PROCEDURE COMPLICATED?

Abstract

A spill of oil can cause a financial loss for a variety of organisations and individuals of other countries. Oil may arrive on a shoreline causing damage to property and economic loss, particularly affecting local fishing or tourism industries many coastal countries. Those placed at a financial disadvantage as a result of a spill of oil may be claimed for compensation. International conventions on compensation for oil pollution damage are in place in many coastal States and therefore are able to provide a uniform solution for most scenarios of ship-source marine oil pollution however, some countries have bilateral or multilateral agreements that replace or supplement the international conventions. As a result, liability and the availability of compensation can vary. This article will analyze the documentation to support, as well as the procedure for the claim.