Anniversary of IMO Global Ballast Water Management Treaty

The International Maritime Organization (IMO)  treaty countering the threat to marine ecosystems by potentially invasive species transported in ships' ballast water entered into force globally in September 2017.

Named 'International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention)', it entered into force globally on 8 September 2017.

One year on, the number of ratifying States stands at 77, representing just over 77% of world gross tonnage, and the issue of implementing the regulations is in the spotlight.

From 8 September 2017, ships must manage their ballast water so that aquatic organisms and pathogens are removed or rendered harmless before the ballast water is released into a new location. This will help prevent the spread of invasive species as well as potentially harmful pathogens.

IMO is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for developing global standards for ship safety and security and for the protection of the marine environment and the atmosphere from any harmful impacts of shipping.

To engage and support those in charge of applying the regulations, IMO’s Theofanis Karayannis took part in a number of events at the BWMTech North America conference in Fort Lauderdale, United States (25-27 September).

Karayannis highlighted how IMO is moving towards uniform and effective implementation of the BWM Convention, with particular emphasis on the experience-building phase. He also contributed to discussions on various regulatory aspects of the treaty.