INTERTANKO attends JPUG meeting in Denmark

The International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANK) has attended the fifth meeting of the Joint Pilotage User Group (JPUG) in Copenhagen, Denmark, where it was reported that for several years the statistics have shown an increase in the use of pilotage during transits of the Danish Straits, where pilotage is not compulsory but recommended by the IMO.

This year the figures again show improvements, particularly with regard to tankers. In fact, only one tanker has transited without a pilot in 2009 to date.

This means that the efforts of JPUG are bringing about an increase in the use of pilots, in accordance with the IMO recommendations on navigation through the entrances to the Baltic Sea.

JPUG consists of Danish maritime authorities (the Danish Maritime Safety Administration, the Danish Pilotage Authority and the Danish Maritime Authority), the service provider for transit pilotage (DanPilot) and users of pilotage services (INTERTANKO together with other international shipping organisations).

This year, the International Group of P & I Clubs took part in the discussions, since the use of pilotage plays a significant part in reducing the risk involved in navigation through the narrow Danish waters.

JPUG's primary mission is to promote the use of pilotage and thus make navigation in Danish waters as safe as possible.

"We are satisfied about the results, but there is still room for improvement – and due to the present economic situation for many ship owners, developments should be closely monitored," said Svend Eskildsen, Director of the Danish Maritime Safety Administration and Chairman of JPUG.

He promised that their efforts in the coming year would be just as intensive, and would be characterised by new measures.

 

Source: Baird Maritime