The Seventh International Conference on Ballast Water Management will address the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (2004). The Convention has been ratified by 40 countries and is expected to come into force within the next two years. The Convention aims to decrease the rate of bio-invasions that result from shipping. The conference offers an opportunity for sharing experiences and solutions on the implementation of the Convention. It will also include a field trip to Singapore's Ballast Water Centre Facility and other sites. The Global Environment Facility (GEF), UN Development Programme (UNDP), GloBallast Partnerships Programme and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) are organizing the meeting.  

dates: 5-7 November 2014  
location: Singapore, Singapore  
contact: Vincent Wee  
phone: +65 6602 9900  
e-mail: ballast2014@icbwm.com.sg  
www: http://www.ballast2014.com/