Press Release: The Ballastwater Equipment Manufacturers Association (BEMA) has submitted their application for NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) Consultative Status with the IMO. This is a logical next step for the global network of BWTS suppliers and allied industries to offer their official, non-commercial, and technical voice to the existing Regulators, Owners and Environmental groups currently represented at IMO.
Dr. Efi Tsolaki, President of BEMA says, “with the opportunity to gain NGO status at the IMO, BEMA will be able to provide their expertise on the technologies, capabilities, limitations and future R & D opportunities to the IMO discussions that are currently not available through other channels”. In addition, Dr. Tsolaki notes that both the IMO and BEMA are organizations whose Mission, Vision, and Strategic Goals align with respect to supporting smooth implementation and oversight of the critical environmental challenge that invasive aquatic species presents. The operational information and real-world experiences offered by BEMA will help improve implementation and success of the BWM Convention through improving the exchange of information for all stakeholders.
The BEMA application has been made available to the IMO Council member States for their review and consideration at the 124th session of the IMO Council scheduled to conclude on October 22, 2020. Any questions regarding BEMA or their application for NGO Consultative Status should be directed to Dr. Tsolaki at president@bwema.org.
