Five years of “lively” implementation of the ballast water management convention. Global guidance, regional challenges and national issues

The chapter describes the main legal and implementation challenges emerged after the entry into force of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention) on 8 September 2017. Main obligations are reviewed, focusing on the more complex features, reporting relevant arrangements and guidance provided by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) non-binding documents. Key issues to be addressed by States after ratification are identified, when available, including examples of the actions taken at regional and national levels. Inconsistencies of the global rules and aspects not legally covered are highlighted as emerged in practice. Examples of different actions taken by States and the role played by regional organizations are also reported.