The introduction of non-native species via the discharge of ship's ballast water is one of the main threats to marine biodiversity, with alien species often capable of out-competing native species – effective ballast water management (BWM) and the dissemination of good practice are thus essential throughout the marine community. The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) is playing a key role.

IMarEST is the host of a new BWM Special Interest Group (SIG), the Ballast Water Expert Group (BWEG). SIGs are formed by IMarEST members sharing a common interest. They use certain facilities at IMarEST HQ, share knowledge among SIG members and disseminate that knowledge to a wider audience, including via a dedicated web page on the IMarEST website.

The BWEG held its inaugural meeting in May 2010, its second on 1 October 2010, and its third on 14 February 2011. Although SIGs are essentially comprised of IMarEST members, on topics such as BWM, SIGs encourage participation by representatives from other relevant constituencies. Accordingly, ‘Friends of BWEG’ that are invited to its meetings currently include the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) GloBallast, Lloyd’s Register, International Chamber of Shipping, European Maritime Safety Agency, North Sea Ballast Water Opportunity (NSBWO) Project, various national Administrations associated with the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC), and others.

“Through the Ballast Water Expert Group we have established a strategic partnership with GloBallast, an IMO organisation supporting the BWMC,” explains IMarEST’s Chief Executive, Dr Marcus Jones. “IMarEST’s particular focus is on enhancing awareness of the BWMC through its extensive international network. It is also planned to explore the possibility of assisting GloBallast with training in implementation of the BWMC. The organisation of technical events and implementation of training programmes and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) are central to our core strengths.”

IMarEST and IMO, supported by the Global Industry Alliance and the GloBallast Partnerships Programme, co-hosted a very successful one-day Shipbuilders’ Forum on the BWMC on 1 November 2010 in Singapore, in conjunction with the 5th International Conference and Exhibition on BWM (1-4 November 2010). This Forum highlighted experiences by shipbuilders and repairers, shipping companies and class societies, and offered an opportunity for these and other stakeholders to set out and discuss their specific concerns on BWM in the context of, e.g., retrofitting and new building, different types of treatment systems, systems testing, survey and certification, compliance and costs.

IMarEST monitors the activities of the NSBWO Project through the NSBWO website, maintains contact with the Project to avoid duplication, and will, with the support of the BWEG, assist where possible, especially in awareness-raising.

Tags: IMarEST