This is to inform you that the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) will enter into force on 8 September 2017.

Finland ratified the Convention on 8 September 2016 and the total number of contracting States to the BWM Convention has reached 52, representing 35.1441% of the world merchant shipping tonnage, which satisfies the condition of entry into force threshold of 30 States, representing 35% of the world merchant shipping tonnage.

The BWM Convention was adopted in 2004 in order to prevent the adverse effects to the maritime environment caused by the transfer of ballast water. On or after 8 September 2017 and prior to the implementation deadline for Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS), ships engaged on international voyages are required to conduct ballast water exchange offshore. On or after the implementation deadline for BWMS, the ships are required to conduct ballast water exchange through BWMS. The implementation deadline for BWMS, according to IMO Resolution A.1088(28) and MEPC 69, is shown on the following Table 1.

(To be continued)