Wreck Removal Convention put in force by Denmark

Denmark has acceded to the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks (Wreck Removal Convention).

29 March 2014

Image by Danish Maritime Authority

A minimum of ten countries must accede to a convention in order to put it in force. Denmark is the tenth country that accedes to the Wreck Removal Convention. This means that the Convention will take effect in one year, i.e. on 14 April 2015.

Improved possibilities of being paid for the removal of wrecks
The most important new provision of the Convention is that it ensures improved possibilities of having the expenses incurred in connection with the removal of wrecks covered on the ship owner’s account. Thus, the risk of the public sector having to pay is reduced.

The regulations mean that the ship’s owner becomes liable for the removal of a wreck following a marine accident. Ships with a gross tonnage of or above 300 must have a certificate from the flag State proving that insurance has been taken out to cover the expenses for the removal of a wreck.

The provisions of the Convention have already been inserted in the merchant shipping act, but the entry into force of the Danish regulations has awaited the international entry into force of the Convention.

Denmark has chosen that the Convention is also to apply in Danish territorial waters and not only in the Danish Exclusive Economic Zone. The Danish regulations also contain requirements on the insurance of ships with a gross tonnage below 300 since these ships also wrecked in Danish waters.

Danish Maritime Authority press release