The IMO’s ballast water management convention (BWMC) has met its entry-into-force requirement following ratification by Finland.

Compliance with the BWMC will become mandatory from September next year.

All newbuildings will need treatment systems fitted and existing vessels will have to meet the requirements at the first statutory dry docking after the entry-into-force date.

IMO secretary general Kitak Lim described the development as “a truly significant milestone for the health of our planet.”

However,