IMO PANEL WILL DISCUSS BALLEST WASTE, GREENHOUSE GASES

IMO PANEL WILL DISCUSS BALLEST WASTE, GREENHOUSE GASES    The Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization will discuss a number of hot-button “green” issues when the panel convenes in London on Monday for a week-long session.
   One priority is to finish work on the IMO’s new Convention on Ballast Water Management. This 48th session of the protection panel will assess progress of a draft of a text for the convention prior to convening a diplomatic conference.
   In addition, the committee is expected to produce a draft resolution indicating the IMO’s commitment to dealing with greenhouse gases.
   Also on the agenda is consideration of a proposal to develop IMO guidelines on ship recycling and demolition, which will require extensive cooperation with other UN agencies.
   The IMO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for the safety of shipping and the prevention of maine pollution by vessels. Mike Julian, from Australia, will chair the marine environment protection panel’s session.