Iraq Accedes to Oil Pollution Convention

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has notified the Director of the IOPC Funds, Mr Gaute Sivertsen, that the Republic of Iraq deposited its instrument of accession to the 1992 Fund Convention [the International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution] on 5 August 2024. The Convention will therefore enter into force for Iraq on 5 August 2025, bringing the total number of 1992 Fund Member States to 122 as of that date.

Iraq has been Party to the 1992 Civil Liability Convention since 2022, and with this latest accession will have access to the wider international liability and compensation regime.

Director Sivertsen welcomed Iraq as the newest Member State, emphasising the importance of ratifying the 1992 Fund Convention and the significant increase in compensation available to individuals and entities in the event of a major oil pollution incident affecting the Member State.

Iraq has a small coastline but could be at risk of an oil spill from passing tanker traffic due to its proximity to the Persian Gulf which plays a significant role in the region's oil trade.

For a full list of the IOPC Funds' membership and a map displaying the coverage of the international liability and compensation regime in general, please visit the Membership section of the organisation's website.