Attended by some 90 IAPH members from 26 countries, the IAPH Board of Directors convened in Dunkirk, France, 14-17 April 2008, for its Mid-term Board Meeting, which was hosted by the Port of Dunkirk.

On April 15, regional Board meetings were held for the participants of each region (Africa/Europe, Americas and Asia/Oceania) to meet and discuss their own regional issues, and three group meetings of IAPH technical committees were held (Communication & Training, Port Safety, Security & Environment, and Development, Operations & Facilitation).

On 16 April, a "Resolution on accelerating the ratification process of the HNS, Bunkers and Wreck Removal Conventions, and the 1996 Protocols to LLMC 1976" was adopted by the Board of Directors, in which IAPH urged states to ratify those IMO Conventions as soon as practical.

Frans Van Zoelen, Chairman of Legal Committee, mentioned the significance of the resolution, saying that "The above stated IMO conventions are essential for closing the liability and compensation framework concerning maritime and environmental damages resulting from maritime accidents. These subjects are of importance for coastal States and ports. Said conventions also play a significant role to assist coastal States and ports to cope with ships in distress."

To make our action widely known among the world maritime circle, a press release on this subject was issued and sent to nearly 100 organizations concerned with port and maritime issues, including UN agencies such as IMO, UNCTAD, UNEP, ILO, and friendly organizations such as AAPA, BIMCO, CMI, PIANC, and the media.

The Board of Directors also adopted a "Resolution on a world wide approach to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in ports" to make clear its stance on fighting global warming and to follow through its "Resolution on clean air programs for ports" adopted in May 2007 at the IAPH World Ports Conference, Houston, USA.

In conjunction with the Board meeting, the port seminar was organized on 16 and 17 April to hear and learn from a selected panel of speakers.

> Read more (including presentations and photos - Members Only)

> Memories of Dunkirk (photos provided by the host, Dunkirk Port Authority)