The States Parties to this Protocol,

RECOGNIZING the significant contribution that can be made by the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, 1996 (the Convention), to the prompt, adequate and effective compensation of persons who suffer damage caused by incidents in connection with the carriage of hazardous and noxious substances by sea, as well as to the preservation of the marine environment,