DHI takes coordination lead on scientific discussions to improve ballast water guidelines
As part of the efforts carried out globally to improve the guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems (also known as G8), DHI experts – in agreement with the Singapore government – have taken on the coordination of some of the scientific discussions.
G8 guidelines are associated with the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention, 2004).
The transfer of ballast water across ecosystems may pose significant economic, ecological and public health risks when it introduces non-native marine species to different sea regions around the world. The BWM Convention mandates the management of ballast water so that such potential invaders can be excluded from discharged ballast water.
The scientific discussions that we are coordinating are focused on the effects of temperature on ballast water management systems during type approval processes, as well as the use of Standard Test Organisms to increase comparability between tests – within and between test facilities.
The two sub-groups are expected to report their agreed position to the Correspondence group of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) by mid-September. The MEPC considers matters within the IMO’s scope that is to do with the control and prevention of pollution caused by ships.
By providing our expertise and time into discussions to improve the guidelines, DHI supports the continuous improvement of global environmental policies.
DHI experts are taking on the coordination lead on some of the scientific discussions to improve ballast water guidelines. © iStock / PhilAugustavo
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