Posidonia 2002

Despite a 24-hour taxi strike, more than 600 delegates attended the week's first event, the Posidonia Congress. Chaired by John C Lyras, president of the Union of Greek Shipowners, and opened by Greece's shipping minister, George Anomeritis, the congress boasted an impressive array of speakers including Loyola de Palacio, vice-president of the European Commission, and Stelios Haji-Ioannou, chairman of easyGroup and founder of Stelmar Tankers.

Dominating the afternoon session was the public image of the shipping industry. As Lyras pointed out, shipping is perceived as a catastrophe industry to which attracting newcomers has become a real problem. Haji-Ioannou supported this, saying, "Most players in the shipping industry are too small, with no reputation to protect and unable to invest in safety procedures". He called for a raising of barriers to entry, making it more difficult to become a shipowner, and argued, "The litigious culture is a more effective deterrent than any regulation."

In reply, Tom Mangold of BBC TV gave a 'give-it-to-them-straight' insight into how the media perceives the shipping industry. "We're not interested in good news. I'm not going to report on fifteen tankers that didn't collide today," he said. What the media is interested in is disaster. "There are no better pictures than burning tankers and oil soaked birds," Mangold admitted. He blamed the industry's bad image on its lack of profile. Suggesting that shipping should sponsor something on a world scale, such as Formula 1 or the World Cup, he said, " You don't take the trouble to spend any money. There isn't a single slogan that describes what you do." Nothing new there, but food for thought nevertheless.

The congress ended on a high note, with the 20th anniversary celebration of HELMEPA (Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association). As Nicholas Tsakos, chairman of HELMEPA, pointed out, "Shipping contributes less than 20 per cent of sea pollution. What we don't hear about is who is contributing the remaining 80 per cent and what is being done to tackle it."

Of course, Posidonia isn't just about the congress. It's also about the exhibition, which this year boasted over 1,500 exhibitors from more than eighty different countries. And if that didn't keep you busy, there was also the endless programme of parties to keep you up until the small hours. The glitziest this year was undoubtedly the Clarkson's do. Held at the swanky Astir Palace Hotel, this year's bash celebrated Clarkson's 150-year anniversary and was suitably marked by an impressive light and water display.

Posidonia is hot, it is exhausting and it does require stamina. But it is well worth the training.

IBA International Maritime Law Conference, Russia

THE International Bar Association (IBA) is well-known for its legal conferences held all over the world and attracting thousands of lawyers from all fields of practice. June 20-22, however, marked a special conference devoted to maritime law and held in the stunning city of St Petersburg, Russia.

Over the two-day event, speakers from all over the world, including the UK, Denmark, Sweden, US, Ukraine, China, Spain, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Lithuania and, of course, Russia, came to give their insight into maritime law. A wide variety of topics was discussed ranging from shipowning in Russia to law firm management and technology, and the old favourite - arrest of ships, piercing the corporate veil.

But it wasn't just about the conference. There was plenty of opportunity for networking at the social events held each evening, which included a visit to The Hermitage Theatre for the Giselle Ballet - certain to be a highlight for all the delegates involved.

For more information on the IBA conference in Russia, or to obtain the papers, please contact Merryn Andrews on tel. +44 20 7629 1206 or visit www.ibanet.org

Barcelona Shipping law Forum (OPUS 2002)

THERE are many reasons to visit Barcelona, but what better way to enjoy the sights and make new contacts than OPUS 2002, a new and exciting one-day maritime law event to be held on 9 December, 2002. Bringing together maritime lawyers, shipowners and insurers, OPUS 2002 will address the changing face of maritime law, particularly in the areas of ship arrest and security, ADR, carriage of goods by sea, terrorism and salvage.

With expert speakers from all areas of the industry and a dazzling social programme, set in Europe's most exciting city, the networking opportunities are endless. The forum is supported by The Maritime Advocate and hosted by Barcelona-based Ignacio de Ros. For more information contact Mare Forum Tel. +31 10 205 7455, e-mail: i...@mareforum.com, or visit www.mareforum.com.

IBA Durban 2002

THERE can be no doubt that the International Bar Association (IBA) organises some of the world's biggest gatherings of lawyers. The 2002 international conference, being held in Durban from October 20-25, should be no exception. As always, maritime law occupies just a small slice of the programme but covers a number of both relevant and fascinating topics.

Among these there is bills of lading, waybills, mortgages and maritime liens, and shipping and the environment. There is also a look back at the world's worst maritime disaster in 'Who owns Titanic's treasures?' Topping it all off is a round-up of maritime law developments from a whole host of jurisdictions, giving delegates the chance for some truly international networking.

Given the current economic situation in South Africa, visiting Durban shouldn't put too much of a dent in anyone's wallet, but in case you are watching the pennies, depending on when you register, delegate fees for IBA members range from £480 to £780, non-members from £740 to £840 and African delegates from £150 to £400. The best bargain goes to African lawyers under 35 years of age who slip in for just £150. At these prices it's a must for everyone's diary.

For more information contact IBA Tel. +44 20 7491 4460 Fax. +44 20 7409 0456 or visit www.ibanet.org.

CMLA 2002

IT'S not easy thinking up new topics for conferences and seminars. But as the first maritime law seminar since China's accession to the World Trade Organisation, the Fifth International Conference on Maritime Law should have plenty to talk about.

Hosted by the China Maritime Law Association and taking place in Shanghai on 11-14 October, 2002, the conference is being supported by a whole host of bodies including the China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), the Supreme People's Court of the PRC and the All China Lawyers' Association.

For more information contact Wei Jiafu, president of CMLA Tel. +8620 8760 0082 Fax. +8620 8778 4482 or visit www.smuiml.net/meeting/english/default.html.