Shipping Australia held a successful hybrid webinar-seminar recently on the topic of “Safe Ports” and attracted an audience of just under 60 guests (online and in-person).
We were privileged and delighted to hear the thoughts of a panel of distinguished guests.
Kicking off the event was Stephen Thompson, Partner, Head of Transport & Logistics, Colin Biggers & Paisley Lawyers, who spoke on the legal framework of what constitutes a safe port and looked at matters such as contractual concepts and definitions.
Shipping Australia CEO, Capt Melwyn Noronha, talked about the safe port concept from the perspective of a shipping master, drawing upon his time at sea in command of large bulk carriers.
Michelle Taylor, who leads the Maritime & Transport Practice at Sparke Helmore Lawyers and who has been appointed by the Australian Attorney-General to the Admiralty Rules Committee, provided the event guests with the benefit of her expertise on the legalities of places of refuge and the provision of a safe port to ships in distress.
Sydney and Port Botany Harbour Master Myron Fernandes, of the Port Authority of NSW, talked of the culture of a safe port including such matters as risk and consequence, shared obligations, and foundational matters.
And finally, Marcus John, who qualified as a maritime lawyer in the UK and was appointed as the managing director of marine mutual TT Club, discussed the implications of infrastructure lagging behind larger ships and also discussed pilotage.
After presentations, the panel took a range of questions on such matters as what are the legal obligations of ports to ensure safety; what, practicably, can be done to address the issues of ships in distress, and what the possible inhibitors are of developing a culture of a safe port.
Shipping Australia would like to thank our expert panel for their time and presentations.
We would like to thank law firm Colin Biggers & Paisley for its generous support in offering to host the event at their offices and for handling the I.T. and audio-visual requirements. Founded in 1900, Colin Biggers & Paisley is an Australian based legal practice with offices in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, advising local, national and international clients. The practice has developed deep expertise in commercial law with main industry expertise in insurance, construction and property. It also has a strong focus in industries including financial services, government, transport & logistics, aged & community health, education, faith-based enterprises, corporate advisory, cyber and technology.
We would also like to thank Stephen Thompson of CBP for his generous support in helping Shipping Australia to host this event.
