IMO’s O’Neil sees ‘tangible’ improvements in ship safety

IMO’s O’Neil sees ‘tangible’ improvements in ship safety    “Shipping is a far safer industry today and its environmental credentials are immensely improved,' but more needs to be done, said William O'Neil, outgoing secretary-general of the International Marine Organization, at opening IMO's 23rd assembly in London.
   “The shipping industry provides the cleanest and cheapest method of transporting more than 90 percent of the world’s goods … while its public image may not always be what we would like it to be,” said O’Neil, who as served as IMO's secretary-general for 14 years.
   “The world wants an end to rusty ships that fall apart and coastlines that are polluted with their cargoes and fuel. But it does not want to see transportation costs spiraling through the roof. These are both reasonable demands, and I do not believe they are mutually exclusive,” he said.
   The IMO is the United Nations Specialized Agency with responsibility for the safety of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. The assembly continues through Dec. 5.