Discussion on the preparation for the implementation of BWM Convention

Abstract:

As an important event for the international shipping industry, the entry into force of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 is deemed as a landmark step towards protecting the marine environment. In the context of China's upcoming accession and implementation of the Convention, this paper discusses problems in implementing the BWM Convention and proposes the countermeasures. Firstly, for the absence of legislation on bioinvasion, China's laws and regulationson this issue need to be improved by developing specific law on bioinvasion or amending the existing law. Secondly, by integrating all relevant stakeholders, the authorityshould establish and improve regime on ballast water management in accordance with the requirements of the BWM Convention, following the control procedure from sources, process to emergency response. Thirdly, departments, agencies and enterprises should strength cooperation and lead theoretical research into application field, in order to accelerating the process of putting research outcomes into practice. Fourthly, the independent intellectual technology and production need to be encouraged and stimulated to dispense with the imported core elements. The implementation of BWM Convention will launch a new round of industrial restructuring and phasing out of aged ships, in which technical capacity on ship construction and auxiliary industry will play a significant role for a shipping power.