ICS addresses ballast problems

This comes ahead of next week’s meeting of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).

As previously highlighted in a submission to the MEPC, the implementation problems which ICS seeks to address include the lack of robustness of the current IMO type-approval process for new treatment equipment, and the criteria to be used for sampling ballast water during Port State Control inspections.

ICS says that the legal changes needed to make the ballast regime “fit for purpose” are relatively straight forward and could be agreed in principle quickly with Member States.

The association has therefore suggested that the MEPC might agree a ‘road map’ using the mechanism of an MPEC Resolution, which if agreed, could make it easier for additional IMO Member States to decide to ratify the Convention.

“If so decided, this Resolution would provide greater confidence for owners and operators installing treatment equipment, and could help end the current impasse.” Said Peter Hinchliffe, secretary general, ICS.

The new ICS Position Paper is being communicated to maritime administrators by ICS’ member national shipowners’ associations.