Members have expressed at various times concerns relating to the correct description, condition and handling of some Philippines bulk cargoes, especially potential group ‘A’ cargoes emanating from various southern Filipino ports.
In June, INTERCARGO together with the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG) met with the Filipino IMO representatives to express concern for the correct implementation of the mandatory International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code in the Philippines. Following discussions with the Philippines IMO Representative a joint IG/INTERCARGO letter (attached) was drafted and forwarded to the relevant authorities in July.
The letter resulted in a September meeting held in Manila between representatives from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippines Port Authority (PPA) to formulate action steps in order to begin to find ways to better address the growing concerns. This meeting agreed that MARINA (as Flag State), PCG (as Port and Coastal State) and PPA (for port facilities) are the competent authorities to implement the IMSBC Code.
The contact details of the heads of these agencies are as follows:
