The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has confirmed that the 2010 HNS Convention on the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea will enter into force on 29 November 2027.
According to sea-news.az citing Seanews.az, the convention covers more than 2,000 hazardous and noxious substances transported by sea. These include chemicals, acids, fertilizers, alcohols, as well as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Under the new rules, shipowners will bear direct liability for accidents and resulting damages and will be required to provide appropriate insurance coverage. In addition, a dedicated HNS Fund mechanism will be established to ensure additional compensation payments when needed.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stated that the convention will close existing gaps in the international maritime liability and compensation system, creating a more robust and sustainable legal framework.
Currently, 12 states have joined the convention, including Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, South Africa, Sweden, and Türkiye.
