World Maritime Day Observance
Blank Rome Maritime is pleased to sponsor the 2007 World Maritime Day Observance in New York on October 25th at the Union Club. The World Maritime Day Observance in New York honors International Maritime Organization’s (“IMO”) commitment to raising the profile of the maritime industry by focusing attention on areas critical to the industry and its success.
This year’s theme is “IMO’s Response to Current Environmental Challenges”, which follows last year’s New York event on “Oily Water Separators and the Need for Technical Cooperation”.
The World Maritime Observance will include two panel discussions. The first, chaired by Dr. Maitland, will focus on regulatory development and compliance issues and feature observations by Secretary-General Mitropoulos on the IMO’s goals and expectations of such a forum. Commandant Thad Allen is expected to underscore the U.S. Coast Guard’s role in securing the environment, with U.S. Maritime Administrator Connaughton outlining the United States’ role in global shipping and environmental compliance.
The second panel will be moderated by Miquel Palomares, the Director of the IMO’s Marine Environment Department. Mr. Palomares will be leading the discussion on “Industry’s Perspective on Environmental Challenges”. Important to that discussion is charterer/owner Will Jenkins of ExxonMobil/Sea River who plans to articulate their outlook. Captain Blaine Collins brings the views of the classification societies, while Jeanne Grasso of Blank Rome LLP will offer legal observations on current environmental issues. The panel will conclude with an “on the waterfront” account from North American maritime Ministry Association (“NAMMA”) Vice President, The Reverend James Von Dreele.
Another highlight of the day will be the launch of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA). Ushering in this new industry initiative will be International MEPA Chairman, Nicholas Pappadakis. A Founding Dinner will be held that evening at the Union Club to recognize this historic occasion.
For more information on World Maritime Day Observance, please visit www.namma.org.