Ferry owners' fears
Design takes care of some aspects of safety but much still depends on the human factor
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THE ferry industry was initially slow to realise the implications of the new environmental regulations while they were being developed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
This has changed. At the recent annual conference of the sector's trade association, Interferry, the chief executive of the Britain-based P&O Ferries, Helen Deeble, urged members to speak in a united voice when dealing with governments.
She said: "We need to be involved pre-regulation because he who shouts loudest wins. There is a fundamental conflict between our industry, which is essentially long term, and the short-term objectives of politicians. Governments may be huge, unwilling to change course and focused on getting re-elected. But there are some good guys out there and we can promote our industry if we find them."
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