U.S. Coast Guard, BIMCO sign new agreement

U.S. Coast Guard, BIMCO sign new agreement    The U.S. Coast Guard signed a new partnership agreement in Washington Thursday with BIMCO to further strengthen the federal agency’s relations with the international shipping industry.
   The agreement expands an earlier version signed between the Coast Guard and BIMCO in 1998. Updates reflected in the new agreement include initiatives and regulations to maritime security and BIMCO’s renewed focus on the fair treatment of seafarers.
   BIMCO, the world’s largest group of shipowners, said the new agreement also includes continuing work with the Coast Guard on the global implementation of the Maritime Pollution (MARPOL) Convention and the Safety of Life At Sea’s International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code at port facilities and more recent work related to concerns about the operation of oily water separators.
   “We are pleased that the U.S. Coast Guard wishes to partner with BIMCO in augmenting maritime security, safety, environmental protection and not least of all enhancing the position of seafarers,” said Knud Pontoppidan, BIMCO president and executive vice president of A.P. Moller-Maersk, in a statement.
   Rear Adm. Craig Bone signed the agreement on behalf of the Coast Guard.