1. This is information on an entry into force of the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships (AFS Convention), which adopted on 5 October 2001 by IMO.

2. Under the terms of the AFS Convention, the AFS Convention enters into force 12 months after 25 States representing 25 per cent of the world's merchant shipping tonnage have ratified it.

3. With the ratification by Panama on 17 September 2007, the AFS Convention has been ratified by 25 States representing 38.11 per cent of world's merchant shipping tonnage. Accordingly, the AFS Convention will enter into force on 17 September 2008.

4. The AFS Convention will apply to ships flying the flag of a Party to the Convention. The following 25 States have ratified the Convention.

Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bulgaria, Cook Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Greece, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Poland, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tuvalu

5. A ClassNK Technical Information with respect to survey and certification will be issued separately.

For any questions about the above, please contact:

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
External Affairs Division, Administration Center, Head Office
Address: 4-7 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8567, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-5226-2038
Fax: +81-3-5226-2039
E-mail: xad@classnk.or.jp