Category: MARITIME

A new online risk assessment tool for non-indigenous species transfers via the ballast water of commercial ships has been released jointly by and .The new provides an online application to run the latest version of the risk
assessment method for ballast water introductions in the Baltic and the larger
North-East Atlantic area. It replaces the previous version from July 2014 and
includes several major improvements.Upon submitting information on the species observed in the departure and
destination ports, the website allows national maritime administrations and
ship owners to quickly identify routes that may qualify for exemptions to the
application of ballast water management for ships, and those that are unlikely
to. Interest in such exemptions is growing as the IMO Convention on Ballast
Water Management enters into force in September this year.The underlying risk assessment method was
originally adopted by the 21 member states and EU within OSPAR and HELCOM in
2013. It is as a part of the comprehensive “Joint Harmonised Procedure” on
granting exemptions from ballast water treatment provisions of the 2004
International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water
and Sediments () of the International Maritime Organisation ().Based on the IMO (G7) guidelines on granting exemptions under the BWM
Convention and provisions promoting regional cooperation, the joint harmonised
procedure specifies the procedure for granting exemptions (G7) and undertaking
risk assessments.The overall aim is to help protect the environment by identifying routes
that could present a high risk for the transfer of non-indigenous species. It
will also save both the shipping industry and maritime authorities time and
money by bringing transparency and clarity to the decision making process
around exemptions from the provisions of ballast water management.Currently the online tool includes only port sampling data from ports in
Europe. However, the tool and the underlying approach could also be used for
other sea areas in the world.The tool can be found on the address .* * *Note for editors:

The development of the tool is since 2012 supported by the Joint Task Group
on Ballast Water Exemptions (TG BALLAST) consisting of the Contracting Parties
of both Conventions and which is also open to official observer organisation
from both the shipping and environmental fields. TG BALLAST reports to the
HELCOM Maritime Group within HELCOM and OSPAR EIHA Committee within OSPAR.

The Maritime Group of HELCOM (), the parent group of the TG BALLAST within the HELCOM framework, identifies
and promotes actions to limit sea-based pollution and ways for safer navigation
in the Baltic Sea. It also works to ensure enforcement and harmonized
implementation of IMOs international shipping regulations in accordance to the
1992 Helsinki Convention.The OSPAR Environmental Impacts of Humans Activities Committee (EIHA), the
parent group of the TG BALLAST within the OSPAR framework, works to reduce the
impact of human activities in the North East Atlantic.In order to run the risk assessment model the online tool comprises a
database on observations of alien species and physical features in ports, lists
of target alien species for the two regions as well as a risk assessment
algorithm. Live links are provided to several existing scientific databases in
order to provide most recent information on for example the environmental
tolerance of species.* * * For more information, please contact:Hermanni Backer Professional Secretary for Maritime, Response and Fish groups HELCOM Tel: +358 46 8509199 E-mail: hermanni.backer(at)helcom.fiMarta RuizAssociate Professional SecretaryHELCOM> +358 40 6472424 >E-mail: marta.ruiz(at)helcom.fi

A new online risk assessment tool for non-indigenous species transfers via the ballast water of commercial ships has been released jointly by HELCOM and OSPAR.

HELCOM Maritime receives Baltic Sea Fund Prize 2017 and contributes to award debate on the future of alternative fuels in shipping.HELCOM launches the first meeting of the GREEN TEAM group, to take further steps to shape the future of clean shipping and alternative fuels in the Baltic Sea.Baltic Sea NECA, and the GREEN TEAM as its follow up, registered by HELCOM as a voluntary commitment for the United Nations Ocean Conference 5-9 June 2017.The future of clean shipping and alternative fuels in the Baltic Sea will be debated today in Mariehamn, Finland at a seminar organised on the occasion of the Baltic Sea Fund prize 2017. The day will also feature the award of the main Prize to the HELCOM Maritime Working group, first announced in 12 April.At the seminar the Chair of HELCOM Maritime, Anna Petersson (Swedish Transport Agency) and Vice Chairs Natalia Kutaeva (Marine Rescue Service of Rosmorrechflot) and Jorma Kämäräinen (Finnish Transport Safety Agency) will present the groups achievements and future work, as well as participate in a panel debate -with a focus on the future of alternative fuels in shipping.The other speakers and panellists will include Ville Niinistö, Member of Parliament and former Minister of the Environment (Finland), Ulf Hagström Senior Vice President of Viking Line and Alef Jansson Director Goodtech Environment.The main Prize was justified by the contributions of the HELCOM Maritime Working group to the recent regulatory developments in the region, namely restrictions to Nox emissions from ships exhaust gases and sewage discharges from passenger ships.In order to follow up the recent developments and accelerate regional work on green shipping technology and alternative fuels HELCOM has launched a public-private platform (HELCOM GREEN TEAM).The first meeting of the group will take place on Tuesday 5 September 2017 on the Island of Donsö in the Gothenburg archipelago back to back with the Donsö Shipping Meet 2017.HELCOM has also highlighted the work on the Baltic Sea NOx Emission Control Area for ships, and the GREEN TEAM as its follow up, by making a voluntary commitment registered for the . * * *Note for editorsHELCOM is an intergovernmental organization made up of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union. Founded in 1974, its primary aims as the governing body of the Helsinki Convention are to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution. This includes pollution from ships and safe maritime navigation, fields where the work involves regional dimensions of IMO regulations and initiatives. The full official name of HELCOM is the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission.HELCOM Maritime Working Group of HELCOM identifies and promotes actions to limit sea-based pollution and finds ways for safer navigation. Established in 1975, the group also deals with the harmonized implementation and enforcement of international shipping regulations.The Maritime group has a number of advisory expert bodies including the HELCOM-OSPAR Task Group on Ballast Water Management (regional dimensions of implementing the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention), Expert group on safety of navigation, Working group for mutual exchange and deliveries of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, Green technology and Alternative Fuels Platform for Shipping (GREEN TEAM), and HELCOM Cooperation Platform on Port Reception Facilities (PRF).The Åland Foundation for the Future of the Baltic Sea, also known as , was founded in 1989 through a private donation of half a million euro. The initiator and donator was Councillor of Commerce Anders Wiklöf.* * *For more information, please contact:Hermanni Backer>Professional Secretary for Maritime, Response and Fish>HELCOM>Tel:  +358 46 8509199>Skype: helcom02>E-mail: hermanni.backer(at)helcom.fi

HELCOM Maritime receives Baltic Sea Fund Prize 2017 and contributes to award debate on the future of alternative fuels in shipping.

The current and future uses of the regional HELCOM AIS data were discussed in a dedicated open seminar this week at the HELCOM Secretariat. The open event, part of recent fast developments around one of the first regional AIS data networks, was attended by researchers, national AIS data experts and companies.Since the launch in 2005 the HELCOM AIS network has enabled the HELCOM Contracting Parties (Denmark, Estonia, European Union (EMSA), Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia and Sweden) as well as Norway to share the live Automatic Identification System (AIS) data received by their national base stations. It has also generated a unique regional database on historic ship movements in the Baltic Sea.The network itself, and the resulting data, is overseen by the dedicated HELCOM Expert Working Group on AIS and data, meeting annually since 2002. The network server is, since this year, hosted by Norway.AIS data from this regional network is increasingly used for various purposes extending far beyond operational safety of navigation, including analysing emissions from ships and enabling accidental spill risk assessments in the Baltic Sea.However, the wider HELCOM community, especially research, has only recently been able to use this valuable information in full, due to the lack of joint and openly available data processing methods, tools and definitions. Examples of such products include traffic density maps which can be used for various purposes from Maritime Spatial Planning, safety and environmental policy. The same issues are facing AIS data users around the world.The seminar debated different approaches and uses of AIS data in order to support the development of the needed joint and open data processing methods, tools and definitions for the HELCOM community and beyond.* * Note for editorsHELCOM AIS Working Group is a sub-group of the HELCOM Maritime Working Group. It governs the regional AIS network and meets annually since 2002.HELCOM is an intergovernmental organization made up of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union. Founded in 1974, its primary aims as the governing body of the Helsinki Convention are to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution. This includes pollution from ships and safe maritime navigation, fields where the work involves regional dimensions of IMO regulations and initiatives. The full official name of HELCOM is the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission.* * *For more information, please contact:Hermanni BackerProfessional Secretary for Maritime, Response and FishHELCOMTel:  +358 46 8509199Skype: helcom02E-mail: hermanni.backer(at)helcom.fi ​

The current and future uses of the regional HELCOM AIS data were discussed in a dedicated open seminar this week at the HELCOM Secretariat.

​​​​What does the new Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) regulations for ships – so-called “Baltic NECA” – mean for shipping and for the marine environment?What will change? And why is NOx a problem?HELCOM has ​released a new about the Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) regulations for ships, also touching upon the earlier schemes for limiting harmful emissions such as Sulphur Oxide (SOx). The leaflet explains in a short and concise form the main features related to the recent decision by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), upon HELCOM countries’ proposal, to limit ships’ NOx emissions in the Baltic Sea. A similar NOx Emission Control Area (NECA) proposal from the North Sea countries also passed late last month.NOx emissions from shipping are important from a marine environment perspective since they are a major source of airborne deposition of nitrogen, worsening nutrient pollution – and therefore eutrophication – which is a serious environmental concern for the Baltic Sea. The NECA regulations, approved by the IMO in October 2016, are expected to be adopted in May 2017. These foreseen NECA regulations target new ships built in or after 2021 but not the existing ships.According to recent estimates, the reduction in annual total nitrogen deposition to the Baltic Sea region, compared to a non-NECA scenario, will be 22,000 tonnes after a time lag – as a combined effect of the Baltic and North Seas NECAs. Out of this total anticipated reduction, 7,000 tonnes is estimated to be reduced from direct deposition to the Baltic Sea surface and the remaining 15,000 tonnes a decrease from deposition to the terrestrial areas draining to Baltic Sea. An undetermined share of the latter will end up to the Baltic Sea.You can download the leaflet .For a print version, please contact the HELCOM Secretariat at helcom.secretariat(at)helcom.fi. * * * Note for editorsHELCOM Maritime Working identifies and promotes actions to limit sea-based pollution and finds ways for safer navigation. Established in 1975, the group also deals with the harmonized implementation and enforcement of international shipping regulations.The Maritime group includes the HELCOM-OSPAR Task on Ballast Water Management (regional dimensions of implementing the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention), Expert on safety of navigation, Working for mutual exchange and deliveries of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, Green technology and Alternative Fuels for Shipping, and HELCOM Cooperation on Port Reception Facilities (PRF). is an intergovernmental organization made up of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union. Founded in 1974, its primary aims as a governing body are to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution, as well as to ensure safe maritime navigation. The official name of HELCOM is the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission; it is the governing body of the Helsinki Convention. * * * For more information, please contact:Hermanni BackerProfessional Secretary for Maritime, Response and Fish groupsHELCOMTel:  +358 46 8509199Skype: helcom02E-mail: hermanni.backer(at)helcom.fi ​​​​​Johanna Laurila Information Secretary HELCOM Tel: +358 40 523 8988 Skype: helcom70 E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi

HELCOM has released a new leaflet about the Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) regulations for ships also touching upon the earlier schemes for limiting harmful airborne emissions such as Sulphur Oxide (SOx).

​​​​​​IMO agrees with HELCOM countries’ proposal to limit ships’ NOx emissions in the Baltic SeaSimilar NECA proposal from the North Sea countries also passedIn the Baltic Sea area, expected annual Nitrogen load reductions resulting from both North and Baltic Sea NECAs will be 22,000 tons in two decades International Maritime Organization (IMO) has agreed to limit Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions from ships’ exhaust gases in the Baltic Sea as proposed by HELCOM countries. A similar proposal from the North Sea countries was approved at the same 70th meeting of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), ending today. After final confirmations at the next MEPC meeting in spring 2017, these two decisions will create a larger Nitrogen Emission Control Area (NECA) for new ships built in or after 2021.​”This would not have happened if we hadn’t worked together and developed a robust, scientifically based and comprehensive application,” concludes Anna Petersson, Chair of the HELCOM Maritime Working Group. Photo: Shutterstock​NOx emissions from shipping is a major source of airborne deposition of Nitrogen, aggravating nutrient pollution or eutrophication which is one of the main environmental concerns in the Baltic. The initiative to cut this source of pollution by a Baltic Sea NECA under MARPOL Annex VI emerges from the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action , agreed by the nine coastal countries and the EU ten years ago in 2007.”This is a remarkable moment. The Baltic Sea countries and EU have collectively arrived to the goal of establishing a Baltic Sea NECA, proving an undeniable success in joint cooperation. Even better, we did this together with the North Sea which multiplies the benefits for the Baltic Sea,” says Anita Mäkinen on behalf of Finland, the lead country of the Baltic NECA application process.”This is a good example of how the close cooperation between the Baltic and North Seas can help us achieve something bigger than what would be possible in one region alone,” adds Ditte Kristensen on behalf of Denmark, co-lead of the North Sea NECA application together with the Netherlands. “Estimated cut in airborne deposition is significant”According to fresh estimates by European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (), consisting of deposition modelling based on available emission scenarios (Jonson et al 2015), the annual reduction in total Nitrogen deposition to the Baltic Sea area will be 22,000 tons as a combined effect of the Baltic and North Seas NECAs and compared to a non-NECA scenario. However, a lengthy period of fleet renewal is needed before the regulation will show full effect.Out of this total anticipated reduction in Nitrogen deposition, 7,000 tons is estimated to be reduction from direct deposition to the Baltic Sea surface and the remaining 15,000 tons is estimated to be reduced from deposition to the landmass draining to Baltic Sea, also called its catchment area.”Over the last decades we have monitored Nitrogen deposition from airborne emissions of human activities contributing to the eutrophication of the Baltic, from agriculture to shipping. The estimated cut in airborne deposition due to these new NECA designations is a significant share of the total airborne load,” says Jerzy Bartnicki, from EMEP.”Scenarios and modelling on shipping in the two regions show that NOx emissions are likely to increase without NECA designations,” adds Jukka-Pekka Jalkanen from the Finnish Meteorological , who have provided ship emission modelling for the Baltic Sea NECA application.The HELCOM Country Allocated Reduction Target () scheme has divided a total load reduction commitment of 118,000 tons Nitrogen, and 15,000 tons Phosphorus among the coastal countries. Implementation of the scheme will result in curbing eutrophication problem in the Baltic. The estimated 7,000 ton reduction in Nitrogen deposition to the surface of the Baltic Sea alone is more than the total Nitrogen reduction commitment of an average Baltic Sea coastal country within the HELCOM scheme of national commitments. In other words, five out of nine coastal countries have a total annual reduction quota for Nitrogen loads which is less than 7,000 tons.Other positive effectsBesides cutting emissions, the new regulations will have many indirect positive effects for the Baltic Sea marine environment. The new NECAs will likely increase the use of green shipping technology and alternative fuels such as LNG, and in general catalyse technological innovations in the field of green shipping. Voluntary schemes for existing ships will be essential to achieve additional NOx emission reductions.The Baltic Sea was designated as a Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA) in 1998 based on a similar proposal, also developed within HELCOM Maritime Working during the 1990s. In 2015 the enforcement of the 0,1% sulphur limit for fuel oil under the SECA led to drastic 88% reductions in SOx emissions from shipping in the Baltic Sea region compared with 2014, as estimated by the Finnish Meteorological Institute and reported by Finland to the HELCOM Maritime Working Group in September. The IMO meeting this week agreed that a global 0,5% limit in fuel oil sulphur content should be applied from 2020.”This is truly a milestone which will have genuine positive effects on the unique marine ecosystem of the Baltic Sea area. The regional cooperation within the HELCOM framework has certainly proven to be very successful – this would not have happened if we hadn’t worked together and developed a robust, scientifically based and comprehensive application,” concludes Anna Petersson, Chair of the HELCOM Maritime Working Group.”The recently adopted prohibition of discharge of sewage from passenger ships together with the approval of the designation of the Baltic Sea as a NECA are two fantastic achievements that marks the end of many years of hard work and dedication from the Baltic Sea states,” she continues. * * * Note for editorsHELCOM Maritime Working identifies and promotes actions to limit sea-based pollution and finds ways for safer navigation. Established in 1975, the group also deals with the harmonized implementation and enforcement of international shipping regulations. The Maritime group includes the HELCOM-OSPAR Task Group on Ballast Water Management (regional dimensions of implementing the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention), Expert group on safety of navigation, Working group for mutual exchange and deliveries of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, and HELCOM Cooperation Platform on Port Reception Facilities (PRF). is an intergovernmental organization made up of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union. Founded in 1974, its primary aims as a governing body are to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution, as well as to ensure safe maritime navigation. The official name of HELCOM is the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission; it is the governing body of the Helsinki Convention. * * * For more information, please contact:Anita Mäkinen Chief Adviser to the Director General, Maritime Sector Finnish Transport Safety Agency (TraFi) Tel: +358 40 1624592 E-mail: anita.makinen(at)trafi.fiDitte Kristensen Technical Advisor Danish Environmental Protection Agency Tel: +45 72544107 E-mail: ditkr(at)mst.dkHermanni Backer Professional Secretary for Maritime, Response and Fish groups HELCOM Tel:  +358 46 8509199 E-mail: hermanni.backer(at)helcom.fi​​

IMO agrees with HELCOM countries’ proposal to limit ships’ NOx emissions in the Baltic Sea. In the Baltic Sea area, major cuts in Nitrogen loads are expected as a result from both North and Baltic Sea NECAs.

​​​​​Fifth HELCOM country – Finland – ratified last week the Ballast Water Management Convention for shipsThis fulfilled the world-wide criteria​ for entry into force in 2017 of the global treaty to help prevent the spread of invasive speciesThis is a significant milestone in the work against invasive aquatic species to the Baltic Sea, which can damage marine ecosystems, affect biodiversity and lead to economic loss​A likely ballast water introduction, fishhook waterflea (Cercopagis pengoi), has spread in the Baltic Sea since 1990s. It is classified by IUCN among the 100 worst invasive species of the world. Photo: Dr. Igor Grigorovich, University of Windsor, Canada​The regional work of HELCOM on ships management enters a new era as the fifth country of the nine Baltic coastal states, Finland, informed of the ratification of the International for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments on 8 September 2016.  The subject of this Convention, safe management of ships’ ballast water, has a major role in preventing the spread of non-indigenous, potentially harmful species, especially in fragile marine areas such as the Baltic Sea. The Convention was originally signed in 2004. The accession by Finland has global importance as it triggers the entry into force of the Ballast Water Management Convention on a global scale. The Convention stipulates that it will enter into force 12 months after the ratification by a minimum of 30 States, representing 35% of world merchant shipping gross tonnage. The Finnish ratification fulfilled the remaining tonnage criteria. The Convention will thus enter into force globally on 8 September 2017. Ships’ ballast water, routinely taken on by ships for stability and structural integrity, may carry alien species which are harmful to the marine ecosystems and biodiversity in many ways. “As the maritime transport increases in the Baltic Sea this means that the risk of arrivals of non-native species also grows. In an area so susceptible for environmental damage it is thus highly welcome that the Convention on ballast water will finally enter into force,” says Monika Stankiewicz, HELCOM Executive Secretary. “Over 120 non-native aquatic species have been recorded in the Baltic Sea to date, and a large share of these have established themselves on a more or less permanent basis. HELCOM has actively and strenuously worked on ballast water issues so it is heart-warming that the global turning point has been sparked from our region,” she continues.  Following the pioneering work within the Baltic Sea scientific community and the international developments around the Convention at IMO, the HELCOM Maritime Working started substantial joint work in 2004 by establishing a dedicated Ballast Water Correspondence Group under the lead of Finland. Several HELCOM projects, starting from the GEF funded Baltic Sea regional project (2003-2007), have supported the intergovernmental dialogue with substantial input. This kind of region-specific cooperation on implementation, supporting the global work at IMO, is enabled by the Ballast Water Convention (Article 13.3). Since 2004, the coastal countries of the Baltic Sea have co-operated within HELCOM, and together with other regional seas cooperation structures like OSPAR, on a number of specific issues around the foreseen implementation of the Ballast Water Convention. Examples of concrete output from this decade on preparatory cooperation include a detailed (Reg. A-4 of the Convention) and a , a series of regional recommendations concerning ballast water exchange (,
,
and ) as well as keeping up-to date on .  During its last on 6-8 September 2016, the HELCOM Maritime group drafted a new roadmap for regional implementation of the outstanding issues on Ballast Convention in the Baltic Sea. This new draft roadmap is intended to replace the earlier HELCOM roadmap from 2007 which has been largely accomplished as of today. Read more:8 September 2016: Global treaty to halt invasive aquatic species to enter into force in 2017 8 September 2016, Ministry of Transport and Communications of Finland: ​​​Finland ratifies International Convention for the Management of Ships’ Ballast Water on Alien Species and Ballast water management in the Baltic Sea * * * Note for editorsDuring the last decade shipping has steadily increased in the Baltic Sea, reflecting intensifying co-operation and economic prosperity around the region. At the same time, increasing maritime transportation threatens fragile ecosystems and the livelihoods of the many people who depend on the sea. HELCOM Maritime identifies and promotes actions to limit sea-based pollution and finds ways for safer navigation. Established in 1975, the group also deals with the harmonized implementation and enforcement of international shipping regulations.  The Joint HELCOM-OSPAR Task Group on Ballast Water Management Convention Exemptions (HELCOM/OSPAR TG BALLAST)—formed by the participating countries, shipping industry and NGOs—has since 2012 been a successful joint forum for intergovernmental dialogue on Ballast water issues in Northern European Seas. HELCOM is an intergovernmental organization made up of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union. Founded in 1974, its primary aims as a governing body are to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution, as well as to ensure safe maritime navigation. The official name of HELCOM is the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission; it is the governing body of the Helsinki Convention. * * * For more information, please contact:Hermanni BackerProfessional Secretary for Maritime, Response and Fish groupsHELCOMTel:  +358 46 8509199Skype: helcom02E-mail: hermanni.backer(at)helcom.fi Johanna LaurilaInformation SecretaryHELCOMTel: +358 40 523 8988Skype: helcom70E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi

Fifth HELCOM country, Finland, has ratified the Ballast Water Management Convention for ships. The global treaty will enter into force next year – a significant milestone in the work against invasive aquatic species.

​​​​​​​​New and extended version of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Clean Shipping guide has been released in both electronic and print form.

The publication, aimed at all mariners at sea, gives a concise and easily understandable overview of the regional environmental and safety of navigation measures applied in the Baltic Sea to maritime traffic.

The focus of the Baltic Sea Clean Shipping Guide is on commercial shipping which have to comply with the rules of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

However, some of the material are also relevant for smaller ships such as fishing boats, working vessels and pleasure craft. Even if specific coastal countries or ports may have deviating practices, the content should represent the regional best practice.

For detailed and authoritative information on requirements, please consult the original documents published by IMO, HELCOM or other referred organization. Navigation on the Baltic Sea area has always been of great importance to the people living around it. The Baltic Sea Clean Shipping Guide, or Clean Seas Guide, was first published in 2009 and previously revised in 2004, 2009 and 2012.

Sail clean and safe on the Baltic!

• Download the Clean Shipping Guide.

For a print version, please contact the HELCOM Secretariat at info(at)helcom.fi.

Note for editors

The Maritime Working of HELCOM, originally established in 1975, identifies and promotes actions to limit sea-based pollution and ways for safer navigation. It also works to ensure enforcement and harmonized implementation of international shipping regulations. Its sub-groups include the HELCOM-OSPAR Task Group on Ballast Water Management (regional dimensions of implementing the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention), Expert Group on Safety of Navigation, Working Group for Mutual Exchange and Deliveries of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, Green Technology and Alternative Fuels Platform, and HELCOM Cooperation Platform on Port Reception Facilities (PRF). The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, usually referred to as , is an intergovernmental organization of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union working to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution and to ensure safety of navigation in the region. Since 1974, HELCOM has been the governing body of the ‘Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area’, more commonly known as the Helsinki Convention.

The publication is aimed at all mariners at sea and gives a general overview of the regional environmental and safety of navigation measures applied in the Baltic Sea to maritime traffic.

​​​​​​​​​​The future of maritime activities in the Baltic Sea region, more specifically the environmental dimension and related planning work, is at the focus of the annual of the HELCOM Maritime Working starting today in Tallinn, Estonia. The Meeting is chaired by Ms. Anna Pettersson, Swedish Transport Agency.Photo: Maritime Office in Gdynia​The meeting participants will gather momentum for the future and discuss the next steps needed for the region, by drafting a Work Plan for the period 2016–2018 as well as for the purposes of HELCOM Maritime Assessment planned to be released in early 2017.A substantial issue in focus include following up the recent decisions by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), on the enforcement of the MARPOL Annex IV special area status of the Baltic Sea. This includes particularly following up on the work carried out by the coastal countries and ports in optimising the regions’ port reception capacity of from passenger ships. The Meeting will further consider mainstreaming of new greener shipping technologies and recall the Baltic Sea NOx Emission Control Area () application which was sent by HELCOM countries to IMO MEPC 70 during the summer 2016. IMO MEPC 70 is planned to take place 24–28 October 2016.The Meeting will also discuss the regional dimensions of implementing the 2014 IMO Ballast Water Management Convention (), as recent developments will make the entry into force of the convention very likely in the near future. Regarding BWMC, the Maritime group will especially follow up the recent developments around the joint HELCOM-OSPAR procedure for risk assessments for spreading of aquatic invasive species via ballast water. The process is needed for the purposes of exemptions under BWMC reg. A-4, originally agreed in 2013 by the Baltic Sea and North-East Atlantic coastal countries as well as EU.The 16th meeting of the HELCOM Maritime Working Group will be held on 6–8 September 2016 and hosted by the Ministry of the Environment of Estonia. All the documents will be public after the meeting at the  * * * Note for editorsHELCOM identifies and promotes actions to limit sea-based pollution and finds ways for safer navigation. Established in 1975, the group also deals with the harmonized implementation and enforcement of international shipping regulations. The Maritime Group includes the HELCOM-OSPAR Task Group on Ballast Water Management (regional dimensions of implementing the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention), Expert group on safety of navigation, Working group for mutual exchange and deliveries of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, and HELCOM Cooperation Platform on Port Reception Facilities (PRF).Maritime transportation in the Baltic Sea region has steadily increased during the past decade. Transport and introductions of non-native species has been perceived as one of the primary threats to the coastal ecosystems worldwide and ships’ ballast water has been identified as one of the main vectors.The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, usually referred to as , is an intergovernmental organization of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union working to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution and to ensure safety of navigation in the region. Since 1974, HELCOM has been the governing body of the ‘Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area’, more commonly known as the Helsinki Convention.* * * For more information, please contact:Hermanni Backer Professional Secretary for Maritime, Response and Fish groups HELCOM Tel:  +358 46 8509199 Skype: helcom02 E-mail: hermanni.backer(at)helcom.fi Johanna Laurila Information Secretary HELCOM Tel: +358 40 523 8988 Skype: helcom70 E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi

The Maritime Working group will gather momentum for the future and discuss the next steps needed for the region in their 3-day in meeting in Tallinn, Estonia.

​​​​​​​​​This week the positive progress in management of ships’ sewage in the Baltic Sea region is further boosted by a on Port Reception Facilities (PRF) in Kiel, Germany. HELCOM keeps cleaner practices in sewage treatment a high priority on land, at sea and in ports alike. The topics of the international workshop, organized by BSH, BPO and BMUB*, cover political, technical and legal issues and ways how to address the challenges ahead, finding common solutions such as the identification of best practices and exchange of technical know-how, and promoting cooperation, among others.  ​​​​​A major milestone was reached through HELCOM cooperation​ last April, when IMO agreed that the Baltic Sea special area for sewage discharges from passenger ships will take effect by latest 2021​ (for most voyages). Photo: Shutterstock The Baltic was the first sea in the world to receive status as a special area for and have this status enforced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Set to come into effect in June 2021, passenger ships, including cruise ships, will be limited to discharging sewage into port reception facilities or alternatively at sea only after treatment with very advanced on-board sewage treatment plants able to reduce nutrient input into the sea. Passenger traffic by sea is important to the whole Baltic Sea region but it should not be a burden to the vulnerable marine environment. Sewage created by these vessels contains nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which aggravate algal blooms and other symptoms of eutrophication, one of the main environmental concerns in the Baltic Sea area. While not the biggest source of nutrients in the Baltic Sea, ship sewage is not insignificant. With over 7.15 million person days spent on cruise ships in the Baltic Sea, and 40 million international ferry passengers per year, proper sewage disposal is important to protect the health of the Baltic Sea. Other initiatives by HELCOM partners will also be sustaining the Baltic Sea special area status for pollution from sewage. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced of its on wastewater discharges in the Baltic Sea, to test the availability and adequacy of PRFs in the regions’ cruise ports and identify challenges and bottlenecks. In addition, Baltic Ports Organization (BPO) in its 2016 in September will focus on ports in pursuit of sustainable solutions, ship owners looking for zero emissions and Baltic environmental regulations. At the same time, HELCOM Cooperation on PRF will meet to discuss e.g. the updates for the 2014 Overview on Baltic Sea PRF. *: International workshop on PRF for the Baltic Sea as special area according to MARPOL Annex IV is organized by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) in cooperation with the Port of Kiel and Baltic Ports Organization (BPO) on behalf of the German Federal Environment Ministry (BMUB), on 30 June–1 July 2016. * * *Note for editors is an intergovernmental organization made up of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union. Founded in 1974, its primary aims as a governing body are to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution, as well as to ensure safe maritime navigation. The official name of HELCOM is the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission; it is the governing body of the Helsinki Convention. * * * For more information, please contact:Hermanni Backer Professional Secretary for Maritime, Response and Fish groups HELCOM Tel:  +358 46 8509199 Skype: helcom02 E-mail: hermanni.backer(at)helcom.fi

Challenges ahead from political, technical and legal perspectives and common solutions will be discussed in an international workshop on Port Reception Facilities for ships’ sewage in Kiel, Germany.

​​Final stage for HELCOM in making the Baltic Sea area cleaner from Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions from ships was reached in the Heads of Delegation meeting in Laulasmaa, Estonia this week. The final decision on whether the Baltic Sea becomes a NOx Emission Control Area (NECA) is in the hands of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). According to estimates, Baltic Sea NECA has potential to reduce the annual nitrogen input cost-efficiently and significantly – around 7 kilotons – to the Baltic Sea. NOx emissions from shipping is a major source of airborne deposition of nitrogen, aggravating the serious eutrophication of the Baltic Sea.​The Baltic Sea NECA application will be submitted in parallel to a similar NECA document from the North Sea countries. For the industry this will be useful as the two neighbouring NECA areas will create an area with identical requirements. Moreover, HELCOM will continue to promote and also follow up on the impact of applying advanced technologies, such as the ones leading to the establishment of Baltic NECA. Other decisions by the delegates from all the Baltic coastal states as well as the EU include the launching of a public online follow up system – HELCOM Explorer – for reviewing progress in accomplishing the majority of HELCOM commitments and publishing of a new assessment on pharmaceuticals. In addition, the meeting participants approved two guidelines related to maritime spatial planning (): Guidelines on transboundary consultations, public participation and co-operation, and a second set for the implementation of ecosystem-based approach in MSP in the Baltic Sea area. Another agreement by the delegates is to change the hosting of data on ships’ movement in the Baltic – HELCOM Automatic Identification System (AIS) – from Denmark to Norway by the end of this year. All Baltic Sea countries being also EU member states provide AIS information to European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) via the HELCOM AIS, and hosting by Norway will ensure the continuation of this service. The two-year period of the Estonian Chairmanship of HELCOM will be terminated in two weeks and the turn is handed over to the European Union with their Chairmanship priorities already finalized. Reflections on the accomplishments of HELCOM in relation to the priorities of the Estonian Chairmanship were presented in the meeting and published in writing soon. . All meeting documents will be made available soon after the Meeting.Matjaz Malgaj of EU, forthcoming Vice-Chair of HELCOM (left), ​receives the symbolic key of HELCOM Chairmanship from Harry Liiv of Estonia, the current Chair until 30 June 2016.​* * *Note for editorsThe Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, usually referred to as , is an intergovernmental organization of the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union working to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution and to ensure safety of navigation in the region.* * *For more information, please contact:Johanna LaurilaInformation SecretaryHELCOMTel: +358 40 523 8988Skype: helcom70E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi​

Decision made this week unanimously by HELCOM Heads of Delegation; potential for considerable Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) reductions