A Study on ‘International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments’ and Relevant Domestic Legislation System (for green shipping)

Environment became the key word in the 21st century. And environment friendly transport mode, shipping, is at the heart of debate. Ballast water has been discussed for rather short period of time, but in 2004 IMO has adopted International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, known as the BWM Convention. Ever since water has been used as ballast, aquatic organisms and lives have been transferred to different areas with ballast water. The problem would be when foreign organisms harm or terminate the native organisms. The Convention provides standards and procedures to exchange ballast water but minimizing transfer of aquatic organisms. However, it is yet enacted, as not enough member states have ratified. Despite the fact, some countries have enacted national regulations to restrict ballast water damage. e.g. the US, planning to pass the final Act to introduce higher level of restriction than international standards. Yet Korea legislation system does not contain direct restrictions regarding ballast water. The Act has been introduced, but will be enacted on the Convention is enacted. Knowing that Korea is surrounded by seas, and that ocean dependency is rather high, it would be important to sustain marine lives regardless of the scale of damage. Hence this study is to review the Convention and current Korea legislation system.