As you may know, the IMO Ballast Water Convention will come into force 12 months after the date on
which 30 IMO member states, representing 35% of the world’s tonnage, ratify it.
In this regard, please be advised that, at the 28th session of the IMO Assembly, Indonesia announced
during a general statement that it had acceded to the Ballast Water Convention one day after Morocco
also signed the Convention.
In a consequential statement made by Mr Koji Sekimizu, Secretary General of the IMO, the Assembly was
advised that according to the very latest tonnage data IMO has in its possession it believes that
Indonesia’s accession means that all the entry into force criteria have now been met in full including
the requirement for member States representing at least 35% of the world’s gross tonnage to have
ratified the Convention. As a result Mr Sekimizu advised the Assembly that, subject to careful
checking with IHS Fairplay confirming the accuracy of the data provided to IMO relating to Indonesia’s
registered gross tonnage, the Convention would enter into force on the 24th of November 2016. A
statement is to be made by the IMO Secretariat once the checking is complete confirming whether or not
the entry into force criteria have indeed been met.
Furthermore, in addition to Indonesia, Finland is also expected to sign the Convention this week,
which means that the Convention will almost certainly enter into force on 24 November 2016.
Once the Convention enters into force, the installation schedule for ballast water treatment systems
will be as follows:The Secretariat will continue to monitor developments and advise members
accordingly.
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