The 1996 HNS Convention established an international liability and compensation framework for maritime spills of hazardous and noxious substances, though it has not yet entered into force.
Key Facts
- Year created
- 1996
- Status
- Not in force; ratification requirements unmet
- 2010 Protocol signatories
- Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Turkey
- Subject matter
- Liability for hazardous and noxious substances spilled at sea
Cause → Event → Consequence
The growing volume of hazardous and noxious substances transported by sea created significant risk of environmental and economic damage from spills. Existing international instruments did not adequately address liability and compensation for such incidents, prompting calls for a dedicated multilateral treaty.
On 3 May 1996, the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea was adopted. It created a framework obligating shipowners and cargo interests to bear liability and fund compensation for damages resulting from maritime spills of hazardous or noxious substances.
Despite its adoption, the convention failed to enter into force because signatory states did not meet the required ratification thresholds. A 2010 protocol, signed by seven states including Canada, France, and Norway, was introduced to address implementation obstacles, but the regime remained inactive as of the source date.
Political Outcome
Convention adopted but not entered into force due to insufficient ratification; a 2010 protocol was subsequently opened for signature.