MEPC 81: Progress on review and implementation of the BWM Convention

The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention), entered into force on 8 September 2017 and since then the focus is on its effective implementation.  At its previous session (MEPC 80), the Committee approved the Convention Review Plan (CRP) under the experience‑building phase associated with the BWM Convention, including the list of priority issues to be considered in the Convention review stage. This is guiding the ongoing comprehensive review of the BWM Convention and the MEPC is now proceeding to the corresponding development of a package of amendments to the Convention. 

In this connection, MEPC endorsed the list of the Convention’s provisions and associated instruments for revision and/or development, to guide the further work of the Correspondence Group on Review of the BWM Convention, which was re-established with the task of preparing draft text for amendments and for new provisions and/or instruments.  

With regard to urgent operational matters requiring to be addressed prior to the completion of the Convention review, MEPC: 

• adopted an MEPC resolution on Interim guidance on the application of the BWM Convention to ships operating in challenging water quality conditions; 
• approved Guidance for the temporary storage of treated sewage and/or grey water in ballast water tanks; and 
• invited interested Member States and international organizations to work intersessionally with the broadest possible participation and submit further concrete proposals to the next session with a view to finalization of guidance on modifications to ballast water management systems with existing type approval.