BIMCO, the oldest of the international shipping associations, plans to release a guidance series that will navigate shipowners through ballast water management implementation, in preparation for the impending ratification of the 2004 IMO Ballast Water Management Convention.

The guidance series will commence with the publication of a practical ‘Step-by-Step Guide to Ballast Water Management’ written in association with Fathom, the information specialists on maritime efficiency. This vital industry resource will provide holistic practical guidance that will cover all facets of ballast water management compliance, in addition to outlining the systems available to the market with specific regard to the treatment technology and their type approval status.

Captain Peter Lundahl Rasmussen, Senior Marine Technical Officer for BIMCO commented:

“Among the major challenges for owners preparing for compliance, with the forthcoming Ballast Water Management requirements, is how to ensure a smooth transition to compliance and continued profitability in trade for their fleets - either by using alternative means of compliance or, in the main, by selecting adequate and compliant Ballast Water Management Systems suitable for the individual ships and trades. The Step-by-Step Guide to Ballast Water Management is without doubt a fully up-to-date and invaluable tool to aid owners in the search for unbiased and comprehensive information regarding the Ballast Water Management regulations and compliance.”

Catherine McMillan, Director of Operations, Fathom commented:

“Since the release of Fathom’s ‘Ballast Water Management: The Guide’ in 2011, the ballast water treatment technology market has evolved significantly. With the ratification of the Convention imminent, shipowners and operators are facing an entirely new set of challenges. With the significant investment required by owners in order to ensure compliance, it is more important than ever that concise and independently sourced information is available to owners and operators so they can steer through regulatory challenges with confidence”.

To date, countries representing just over 30% of the world’s tonnage have ratified the Convention and already reached the threshold for number of countries has already been reached. Just 4.83% is left to reach the tonnage threshold. This could be achieved by one major Flag State alone.

The release of the Guide will be followed by a webinar in January 2014 and a free shipowner summit that will take place 25-26 February 2014 in Hamburg. The summit has been developed to give shipowners the opportunity to discuss and understand the best strategies; solutions and issues concerning implementing ballast water solutions within their operations and adhering to compliance.

Press Release, December 9, 2013