International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) participated in the 13th session of the EU Offshore Authorities Group (EUOAG) to work on promoting collaboration between international and regional regulators.

It aims to achieve common positions on matters which affect the operations of offshore contractors with regulators such as the IMO and the European Commission.  

During the session, Eleni Antoniadou, IMCA’s policy and regulatory affairs adviser, gave a presentation on IMCA’s reporting tools, the key role marine contractors play in supporting offshore safety and how IMCA’s work fits in with the EUOAG’s objectives of major accident prevention and response in offshore oil and gas operations.

She said: "The EU Offshore Regulators welcomed IMCA’s presentation and recognised the strong leadership role marine contractors have played in driving marine safety forward. IMCA looks forward to continuing its engagement with the EUOAG as well as sharing expertise and lessons learnt in promoting offshore safety,”

The meeting was well-attended by national regulatory authorities, EU Commission officials and other representatives.

It focused on topical issues for the offshore community including: steps towards an energy specific strategy for cyber security; safety and environmental protection during operations in deepwater/high pressure conditions and liability for offshore accidents.

Allen Leatt, IMCA’s chief executive, concluded: “Our Policy and Regulatory Affairs team has an important role to play on behalf of our global membership being responsible for developing and delivering IMCA’s policy and regulatory strategy; and managing our relationship within organisations such as IMO and groups including EUOAG as well as representing members with other relevant third parties.”

By Alice Mason