The figures verification process for the global tonnage to assess the criteria for entry into force of the Convention on Ballast Water Management (BWM) is now complete.

Currently, 47 countries have ratified the BWM Convention, far higher than the 30 required. However, all of their respective fleets represent 34.35% of world tonnage, ie just below the 35% required for the entry into force.

Figures for world tonnage, on 31 December 2015, was communicated to the IMO by IHS Maritime & Trade.

The Secretary General of IMO, Mr. Lim Kitack, again urged countries that have not yet ratified the BWM Convention to do so as soon as possible so that effective date can be fixed, which facilitate the work to make all necessary amendments to the BWM Convention.