According to industry sources, 2012 will be the year that the Ballast Water Convention (BWM) will see ratication by IMO. Today, the total number of contracting Parties to the BWM Convention has reached 36, representing 29.07% of the world tonnage after ratification by Denmark (35% will be needed for the Convention to enter into force). In september 12^th, IMO Secretary General – Koji Sekimizu urged a decisive action on ballast water. Eight years has passed since the Convention´s adoption.

Why is the BWC so important?

While ballast water is essential for safe and efficient modern shipping operations, it may pose serious ecological, economic and health problems due to the multitude of marine species carried in ships’ ballast water. These include bacteria, microbes, small invertebrates, eggs, cysts and larvae of various species. The transferred species may survive to establish a reproductive population in the host environment, becoming invasive, out-competing native species and multiplying into pest proportions.

This video filmed by Smithsonian Institution explains how scientists are trying to prevent invasive species from hitching a ride to new ecosystems aboard.

When that decisive moment occurs, Zamakona Yards want to be prepared to assist our customers with supplies and repair services.

Sustainability and environmental conservation are integrator pivot of our performance. We believe it is very important to close this agreement as quickly as possible. The effects in many areas of the world are being devastating.

For this matter, we are working for many years with Alfa Laval. We think they are the best option for ballast water treatment system. Alfa Laval which received Basic Approval from IMO in 2007 july 13th, has received full Ballast Water Type Approval from DNV, on behalf of Norwegian authorities. The certificate, which was issued on June 27th, 2008, confirms that PureBallast complies in full with pending ballast water treatment legislation from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

PureBallast 2.0 is the second generation of PureBallast. PureBallast 2.0 has a flexible construction that makes optimal use of existing space. It uses a unique technology in which no chemicals are added or generated and The functions in the background is fully integrated with existing ballast water systems. PureBallast has few consumables and requires only minimal maintenance.

We hope that more countries ratify the convention and it reaches 35% of world tonnage to enter into force. We’ll keep reporting about this important issue for all of us.