The Government’s decision to ratify the International Ballast Water Convention, announced today, brings Australia into line with global shipping standards.
Shipping Australia’s members welcome this decision, which enhances marine biosecurity in Australia’s maritime environment and adopts 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,” Shipping Australia chief executive officer, Rod Nairn 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.
“This is another responsible action by international shipping to reduce the impact of shipping on the environment, and is consistent with the industry’s support for the IMO’s programme to reduce fuel sulphur limits and CO2 emissions from ships.
“Shipping is the most environmentally efficient means of long haul freight movement and we aim to keep it that way.
“It is essential that Australia maintains alignment with international norms so that ships can comply, as there are no boundary fences in the ocean,” he concluded.
