The latest resolution from MEPC65 recommends that ships built before entry into force of the ballast water management convention must fit a certified system by their first International Oil Pollution Certificate renewal survey after the date of entry into force of the convention, i.e. beginning 12 months after full ratification. "It is noticeable that this is purely an attempt to spread the burden and ease the pressure on shipyards in order to facilitate implementation of the convention," says Janet Strode, general manager of the International Parcel Tanker Association (IPTA). "It does not acknowledge the concerns expressed by industry about the ability of available systems to cope with ambient conditions in different parts of the world despite them having been approved by the IMO, or the possibility of owners and crews being penalised despite investing in a system in all good faith and maintaining and operating it properly. Many of the IMO member states remain in denial about this aspect of the current situation."
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