The process to verify global tonnage figures in order to assess entry into force criteria for the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention has now been completed.
Forty-seven countries have now ratified the BWM Convention, substantially more than the 30 required, but their combined fleets comprise 34.35 per cent of global tonnage, just under the 35 per cent required for entry into force.
IHS Maritime & Trade provided IMO with verified tonnage figures as of 31 December 2015.
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim reiterated his request to countries that have not already done so, to ratify the BWM Convention as soon as possible in order to establish a certain date for entry into force, which will facilitate the work to make any necessary amendments to the BWM convention.
IMO – the International Maritime Organization – is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.