The IMO treaty covering the removal of wrecks has been part of discussions at the Wreck Removal Contracts and Operations Seminar in London (20-21 June). IMO’s Jan de Boer gave an overview of the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, which provides the legal basis for States to remove, or have removed, shipwrecks that may threaten the safety of lives, goods and property at sea, as well as the marine environment.
IMO says the treaty applies to shipwrecks, objects from ships at sea, drifting ships and floating offshore installations. Having entered into force in 2015, the instrument currently has 36 Contracting States, which represent just over 70% of the world's merchant fleet tonnage.