The resolutions adopted by the MEPC at its 67th session address issues surrounding the type-approval of BWM systems and guidance for port state control inspections.
One such measure means that the technical standards and approval testing procedures in the Guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems (G8) will undergo a comprehensive review.
It also agrees that shipowners that have already installed type-approved ballast water management systems prior to the application of the revised guidelines should not be penalised.
The MEPC also agreed a plan for a proposed study on implementation of the ballast water performance standard described in regulation D-2 of the BWM Convention, which will specify the maximum concentrations of viable organisms per discharge.
The study will include stakeholder surveys and data collection relating to type approval and testing of BWM systems and practices. The final study is due to be submitted to MEPC 69 in early 2016.
Meanwhile, more BWM systems that make use of active substances were granted Basic Approval (one system) and Final Approval (three systems). In addition, nine further type approvals of ballast water management systems bring the total number of reported type-approved systems to 51.
Just recently, the IMO said that the BWM Convention is edging closer to entering into force as Japan and Turkey became the latest countries to sign up to its ratification.