Combating invasive species in ballast water is a matter of global urgency. Individual nations have already restricted ballast water transport, and now worldwide regulations are set to take effect.
The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments was adopted by IMO in 2004. This convention will phase in ballast water treatment standards over the coming years, beginning in 2009 with requirements for smaller newbuilds.
To ensure compliance when the time comes, ship owners, ship operators and shipyards should already now begin considering solutions.