18 November 2014: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) shared strategies for implementing its International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) with flag and port authorities, ship operators, engineering firms and other stakeholders at the Seventh Annual Middle-East Shiptech Conference. The conference explored how the Middle East region can best apply technology to maximize energy efficiency, fuel economy and shipping safety.

Representatives from IMO’s Marine Environment Division provided an update on the BWM Convention and its role in preventing the dispersal of invasive alien species (IAS) through ballast water. Markus Helavuori, IMO, explained that marine bio-invasions may go unnoticed for some time, as opposed to oil pollution, which is visible and often triggers immediate political action. Marine bio-invasions, however, increase in severity over time, often resulting in irreversible effects on environment, human health and other resources.

IMO also shared achievements with regard to ratification and implementation of the BWM Convention, noting the adoption of guidelines and guidance on sampling and analysis. IMO has granted basic approval to 50 BWM systems and final approval to 36 systems and adequate testing facilities now exist. In addition, the 67th session of IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 67) agreed on guidance on a comprehensive review of Guidelines, which will be discussed at MEPC 68 in May 2015.

Over 150 participants attended the conference, which covered a wide range of topics, such as BWM, growth challenges of the shipping industry, upcoming regulations, ship fuel requirements, and fleet performance indicators. There was also a panel discussion on choosing BWM systems, which addressed how to retrofit systems to meet requirements and the possibility of using port reception facilities instead of BWM systems. Participants also discussed the upcoming review of guidelines and US national requirements for approval of BWM systems.

According to IMO, benefits of the BWM Convention include enhanced protection of the marine environment, biodiversity conservation and standardized approaches for industry. Lloyd’s List organized the conference, which took place from 17-18 November 2014 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). [IMO News] [Conference Website] [IISD RS Sources]