New partnership strives to reduce ballast water pollution 

Ballast water from large ships has, for many years, been a problem for the marine environment. The ballast water is stored in large tanks and has previously been discharged without being treated into the waters that the ship passes on its voyage. If the water is not treated, various living organisms in the ballast water can spread to eco systems where they do not belong. In especially unfortunate cases, they can pose an environmental problem. The purpose of the Convention on Ballast Water is to reduce the spread of certain invasive species that can, among other things, cause diseases and affect the beach water quality, human beings, fish and ecosystems.

To ensure a fast and satisfactory implementation of the Convention, the Danish Maritime Authority has formed a partnership with the Agency for Spatial and Environmental Planning and the Danish Shipowners’ Association. The aim is not only to implement the Convention in Denmark, but also to ensure it gaining ground in the European Union and in the rest of the world. In addition, the purpose of the partnership is to further knowledge, networking and development within the areas covered by the Convention. The partnership has been granted DKK 490,000 from the Ministry of the Environment for the various activities for which an activity plan is being drafted at the moment. The partnership will start off with a kick-off meeting in early spring.

The new Convention will enter into force 12 months after it has been ratified by 30 countries, together accounting for 35% of the world’s tonnage. At present, 21 countries have ratified it, together accounting for 23% of the world’s tonnage. Consequently, it is realistic to reach the goal in 2010, which would mean that the Convention takes effect in 2011. The Convention implies that all ships – depending on their date of built and ballast water capacity – must either change their ballast water or treat it by means of approved equipment carried on board. The IMO has decided that, from 2016, all ships must treat their ballast water. Consequently, there is a great need for the development of technology and the preparation of the administrative requirements for certification, control and handling of ballast water.

Should you have any questions about the partnership, environmental problems with ballast water or any other issue related to this news item, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Clea Henrichsen, M.Sc.(E), tel. +45 39 17 45 31, e-mail cge@dma.dk