The Australian Government has decided to ratify the International Ballast Water Convention, bringing the country into line with global shipping standards, according to Shipping Australia Limited.
The decision would enhances marine biosecurity in Australia’s maritime environment and adopt a common standard of ballast water management.
“The international shipping industry is willing to bear the high cost of installing compliant ballast water treatment systems in order to remove the risk of transferring marine pests through ballast water,” Rod Nairn, Shipping Australia chief executive officer, said.
“We do expect that this reduced risk will be recognised by the Government by a reduction in international vessel arrival fees for biosecurity compliance,” Nairn added.
The High Commisioner to Britain, Alexander Downer is signing the protocol today in London, the Maritime Industry Australia Limited (MIAL) informed.
The Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC), which will provide additional marine environmental protection, is scheduled to enter into force on September 8, 2017.