According to Finland’s Ministry of Transport and Communications, the country is about to ratify the Ballast Water Management Convention this September.
On 16 June 2016, the Finnish Government proposed President of the Republic to adopt the Convention as well as to ratify acts that lay down the provisions on the entry into force of the convention. The acts would become effective only after the convention has entered into force in Finland and internationally. Although country’s President, Sauli Niinistö, approved this proposal, the process to ratification has been delayed.
In addition, Panama’s ratification is on schedule and needs President’s approval to be incorporated into national law.
It remains to see if Finland would ratify the Convention during the month. If so, based on current figures, the Convention will come effective officially a year earlier than expected, as Finland’s 0.14 per cent of the world fleet will cover the total tonnage needed.
