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Myanmar is the latest stated to ratify the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) treaty to ensure that adequate compensation is available to people that suffer damage caused by bunker fuel spills.

The International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (BUNKER) applies to damage caused on the territory, including the territorial sea, and in exclusive economic zones of states under the convention.

Under the convention, the registered owner of a vessel is required to maintain compulsory insurance cover, and there is also the requirement for 'direct action' - which allows a claim for compensation for pollution damage to be brought directly against an insurer.

Kyaw Zwar Minn, Ambassador of Myanmar to the United Kingdom, met IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim at IMO Headquarters in London to deposit the instrument of accession on January 19.

Myanmar's ratification brings the number of states to accede to the treaty to 87, representing 92.5 percent of the world's merchant fleet tonnage.