The IMO Ballast Water Convention is on the eve of entry into force. With Indonesia, Morocco and Ghana recently ratifying convention, it is expected that the world is within 1% of reaching the required 35% Global Tonnage remaining to be signed. Senior industry officials are suggesting that the convention is imminent.

Once ratified, ship owners will be required to implement BWT Systems on vessels. It is estimated that over $45.6 billion will be spent in the 5 years following enforcement. The cost, installation and operation of BWT Systems is of serious concern to the industry.

May Conference Offers Guidance

Essential guidance on BWMS regulations, installation and operation will be provided the 4th and 5th of May 2016 at ACI’s 14th Ballast Water Management Summit in Baltimore, MD where shipowner/operators can find out exactly how to prepare for and manage the BWT Systems in terms of installation and technical operations, as well as advice on compliance, PSC and regulation once the convention is in place

Following the success of ACI’s BWM conferences in Europe and Singapore, the 14th Edition will be held in Baltimore in order to provide a learning and networking platform for the US shipping industry. Special focus will be on the USCG Regulations, US EPA Vessel General Permit, and how Shipowners/managers and BWTS Manufacturers can deal with the regulation in terms of selecting, operating, testing and remaining compliant. For more information, on how to attend this conference, click here.