Tag: BWM Convention

In its annual Port State Control (PSC) report for 2022 released in late April, the US Coast Guard noted that compliance with ballast water management regulations continues to be one of the most challenging issues faced by the maritime industry.

The IMO Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 10), 24-28 April 2023, agreed to a draft Protocol for verification of ballast water compliance monitoring devices, to be submitted to MEPC 80 for approval. 

MEPC 79 established a Ballast Water Review Group to consider a number of matters with regards to the Ballast Water Management Convention.

Have you ever wondered how ships maintain their stability on the water? Ballast is a key operation surrounding ships, as it is responsible for keeping the vessel upright by ensuring an even distribution of weights.

In June 2022, new requirements on biofouling management entered into force for ships in Australia, reminding us that the problem is yet to reach its peak, amid a continuous increase in seaborne trade.

At MEPC 77, the Ballast Water Review Group (BWRG) considered a number of submissions related to the application of the BWM Convention to ships operating at ports with challenging water quality. BEMA presented a proposal for use of the existing IMO guidance contained within BWM.2/Circ.62 with a goal of supporting delivery of the needed guidance to all stakeholders.

The Ballastwater Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (BEMA) announced that they have been granted Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Consultative Status by IMO. This designation will allow BEMA to attend IMO meetings and contribute to the work of the IMO by submitting technical input and providing specialized operational and technical expertise on BWMS.

During MEPC 74 back in 2019, IMO approved a draft amendment to the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) to conduct commissioning testing so as to demonstrate through representative sampling and indicative analysis that a BWMS is working properly. According to this amendment, approved in MEPC 75, sampling and analysis should be conducted at commissioning testing for BWMS installed on board ships on or after 1 June 2022.

2022 is going to be a year of focus on the environment. Following COP26, the message is clear; we need to act now against the climate change and for the maritime industry, IMO has already paved the way with the enforcement of strict environmental rules; nonetheless, maritime safety will always be a key concern for the industry.

BIMCO submitted a proposal to the upcoming Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) 77 to extend BWM experience building phase.