The world tonnage represented by Flag States that have ratified the Ballast Water Convention dropped by 0.03% between March and April.
Whilst previously it stood at 34.82%, it has now dropped to 34.79%.
This was revealed by Markus Helavuori, Technical Officer, International Maritime Organization (IMO) at the Fathom Maritime Intelligence and UK Chamber of Shipping Ballast Water Forum being held today in London.
With the Convention inching towards full ratification, any fluctuations can have very serious implications for when the Convention will actually enter in to force.
The gross tonnage registered with a Flag State changes month-to-month with new vessels, re-flagging of vessels and scrapping of vessels happening continually.
With ratification of the Ballast Water Management Convention so close, the IMO are conducting monthly calculations of the tonnage that has ratified.
