The Role of the Iranian Ports in the Improvement of the Ballast Water Management Program

Recognizing the potential effects on marine ecosystems from introductions of harmful non-native animals and plants from ballast waters, the IMO has taken action by developing guidelines which aim to minimize the risks of environmental damage, whilst maintaining ship safety. This paper will provide an overview of the current international provisions, mainly those established by the IMO on the matter, as well as describe how the subject is currently treated in Iran, including through a review of national legislations, institutions, and observations on the limitations of the current approaches and the conduct of a Port State Control Inspection, to verify compliance with the requirements of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention),which is not intended to limit the rights the port State has in verifying compliance with the BWM Convention. Regarding the role of ports in the national ballast water management program, this study will also review the possibility of establishing standardized procedures for environmental licensing of ports and terminals in Iran, including the necessary criteria for ballast water management