Mediterranean countries agree on voluntary interim arrangements to address the risk of alien species invasions via ships' ballast water – Aug 31, 2011

As part of the draft Mediterranean Strategy on Ships’ Ballast Water Management endorsed by the Focal Points of REMPEC, in May 2011, the Mediterranean Coastal States have adopted interim arrangements to address the risk of alien species invasions via ships' ballast water and sediment.

The "Harmonized voluntary arrangements for ballast water management in the Mediterranean region" require ships sailing in the Mediterranean to exchange their ballast water in accordance with the requirements of the Ballast Water Convention. These arrangements are of a voluntary and interim nature as they will be applicable as from 1 January 2012, and until the date the Ballast Water Convention enters into force.

A notification of these voluntary interim arrangements was sent to all the Member States of the International Maritime Organization in August 2011.

See the IMO Circular Letter BWM.02/Circ.35 sent in August 2011

More information:

Ballast water management section of the website and subsection on the Regional strategy