Ballast water taken on board by ships to maintain their stability has the potential to pose serious ecological, economic and health problems. In particular, the introduction and spread of non-native species is now recognised as one of the greatest threats to the ecological and the economic wellbeing of the planet.

This article was published in 2014. Please see our latest update on the Convention: Implementing the BWM Convention in the UK

The Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention, adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2004, established international legislation with the aim of minimising the spread of non-native species through ballast water transfer. The BWM Convention is set to shortly meet the minimum requirement for entry into force and once ratified the Convention will require vessels to meet certain ballast water standards.

For a temporary period these requirements can be met through meeting ballast water exchange standards, but ultimately will require vessels to install ballast water treatment systems (BWTS) on-board vessels to meet ballast water performance standards.

Alice Bowles, a member of ABPmer's Environment team has recently undertaken a review of the BWM Convention from the perspective of ports. The Convention does not impose any legal obligations on ports however, ports do have a responsibility to protect the environment and secure future trade.

To help implement the BWM Convention ports can:

• Assist in the exemptions application process;
• Provide onshore or barge based reception facilities for cleaning or storing ballast water; and
• Implement Ballast Water Management Plans.

Alice has also been on a placement with the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) to help produce the IMO’s 'Ballast Water Management: How to do it?' manual.

The manual is being created to provide practical information on the technical, economic and legal implications likely to be encountered by Governments and the shipping industry when ratifying and implementing the BWM Convention.

ABPmer routinely advises marine sectors on legislative and policy matters and has a long history supporting government and its agencies in developing the evidence base against which policy decisions are made.