Project governance
How GI SEA’s management framework is designed to effectively steer the project while aligning with both government and industry objectives
The project Manager
The GI SEA project is led by a Project Manager, who oversees all activities and ensures the project advances its mission in line with its strategic objectives. At the heart of the Steering Committee, the Project Manager connects industry member representatives with IMO and Ipieca, fostering collaboration and alignment across stakeholders. They are also responsible for facilitating and organising events supported by IMO’s technical cooperation, focused on enhancing marine pollution preparedness and response throughout Southeast Asia.
Tawirat Bates (Danny)
2025 to present
Danny has been working in the oil spill response industry at OSRL since 2018, bringing extensive expertise in spill response techniques, emergency logistics, and stakeholder engagement. He excels at building relationships and communicating effectively across diverse groups. Passionate about enhancing regional preparedness, Danny is committed to strengthening Southeast Asia’s capacity.
Since its establishment in 2013, GI SEA has been led by a series of Project Managers, listed here from most recent to earliest:
Tai Hong Nguyen
Lee Nai Ming
Amanda Chee
Joselito Guevarra
IMO and Ipieca
As a regional project under the Global Initiative, a joint partnership between the IMO and Ipieca, it is essential that both organisations are represented on the Steering Committee. The IMO representative, from the Marine Environment Division, serves as Project Co-Chair alongside the industry Chair. The Ipieca representative is drawn from the Marine Spill Group, ensuring strong technical and industry alignment.
Chiara Della Mea
Head, Office for Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response, Marine Environment Division
The IMO representative serves as Project Co-Chair, acting as a visible champion to legitimise its goals and ensure alignment with industry and IMO priorities. They provide strategic guidance, oversee deliverables, and promote coordination with other GI projects and IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) to maximise synergy and avoid duplication.
Polly Hill
Nature
Senior Manager
The Ipieca representative, drawn from the Marine Spill Group, brings technical leadership and industry insight to GI SEA. In this role, the Ipieca representative supports strategic alignment with industry priorities, contributes expertise on spill-related developments, and fosters collaboration with IMO and other partners to strengthen regional response capability.
The Steering Committee
Steering Committee members provide overall oversight and strategic direction for the Project, including approving its scope and triennial plan. They monitor progress, guide implementation, and act as visible champions within their organizations. Members also serve as liaisons to local business units, promote collaboration with key stakeholders, help resolve policy issues, and conduct periodic reviews to drive continuous improvement.
The Steering Committee is composed of the Industry Chair and Vice Chair, the IMO Co-Chair, the Ipieca representative, and additional industry member representatives.
A joint partnership between the IMO and Ipieca
Supported by our industry members
