The Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM) adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a step away from being ratified after Peru acceded to it this June, which brings the number of states having accepted the Convention to 51, representing 34.87 percent of the world's merchant fleet tonnage. The Convention will enter into force 12 months after ratification by 30 States representing 35 percent of world merchant shipping tonnage.

Ballast water is pumped into vessels to maintain their safe operating conditions throughout a voyage. However, it may pose serious ecological, economic and health problems due to the multitude of marine species it carried, including bacteria, microbes and small invertebrates.

The Convention is aimed at preventing the spread of harmful aquatic organisms from one region to another, by establishing standards and procedures for the management and control of ships' ballast water and sediments.

However, it is worth noting that the Convention has caused many doubts from the market due to the American factor (more stringent USCG rules) and technical questions.

In light of the close ratification of the Convention, knowing how to procure and install an appropriate ballast water management system (BWMS) for an existing ship or a newbuild is of great importance.

Eshiptrading.com elaborates on the topic and you can find detailed information via Are You Ready? BWM Convention Close to Ratification