Tag: Shipping

​​​Russian Federation hosts a this week on Baltic Sea and North Sea NECAs in St. Petersburg, to advance the action after the decision by the countries of both sea areas to apply in parallel for a NECA status from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). When enforced, the Emission Control Areas (ECA) for Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), will considerably limit the polluting emissions from ships.Group photo of the workshop participants. Click to enlargeThe major basis for the workshop is the revised for the Baltic Sea and the North Sea NECAs, agreed on at the last HELCOM Annual Meeting in March 2016. The agreed deadline for a North and Baltic Sea simultaneous application for IMO is 1 July 2016. The two-day session is aimed for stakeholders, including governance bodies and administrators as well as technology developers, ship owners and port authorities. Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions from shipping is one of the sources of airborne deposition of Nitrogen, aggravating the serious eutrophication of the Baltic Sea. According to estimates, Baltic Sea NECA has potential to reduce cost-efficiently and significantly – around 7 kilotons – Nitrogen input to the Baltic Sea annually after a time lag needed for fleet renewal as the regulation addresses only new ships. The initiative for a Baltic Sea NECA emerges from the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan, agreed by the nine coastal countries and the EU in 2007. Since then, HELCOM has carried out the necessary environmental and economic studies, finalized the needed submission papers as well as carried out the negotiations on the right timing for a final submission to IMO. This anticipated reduction is significant and corresponds to more than the entire country-wise Nitrogen pollution load reduction commitment of several Baltic Sea countries – four out of nine – according to the HELCOM Country Allocated Reduction Target (CART) scheme agreed in 2007, and updated in 2013.​ * * *Note for editorsDuring the last decade shipping has steadily increased in the Baltic Sea, reflecting intensifying co-operation and economic prosperity around the region. The 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 in accordance to the 1992 Helsinki Convention. 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. * * *For more information, please contact:Natalia KutaevaVice-Chair of HELCOM Maritime GroupCouncellor to the Director, Marine Rescue Service of Rosmorrechflot (MRS)Tel: +7 4956261806E-mail: kutaevang(at)morspas.com Hermanni BackerProfessional Secretary for Maritime, Response and Fish groupsHELCOMTel:  +358 46 8509199E-mail: hermanni.backer(at)helcom.fi Johanna LaurilaInformation SecretaryHELCOMTel: +358 40 523 8988E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi

Baltic Sea NECA has potential to reduce cost-efficiently and significantly the nitrogen input to the Baltic Sea – around 7 kilotons per year.

​​​​The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission () and the Cruise Lines International Association () have jointly held a on the cruise industry and the Baltic Sea. Organised in the framework of the, which is being celebrated in Turku, Finland this week, the workshop on “Effective solutions for responsible growth” has given participants a chance to discuss a range of issues regarding the cruise industry’s present and future in the Baltic.Moderated by Hermanni Backer, HELCOM, the workshop speakers included Tom Strang, Carnival Corp.; Anna Petersson, Swedish Transport Agency; Kirsti Tarnanen-Sariola, European Sea Ports Organisation; and Pauli Merriman, WWF Ecoregion Programme. Together they have discussed a range of relevant topics, such as the industry’s economic impact in the Baltic countries, state-of-the art developments in the cruise industry, and the potential for maritime stakeholders’ cooperation for responsible growth.Together with the audience, the speakers have also discussed some of the challenges that the industry faces, particularly in terms of sustainability and environmental protection, focusing on issues such as ships’ air emissions abatement and wastewater treatment and discharges. They provided suggestions to remove bottlenecks for a prosperous future of cruising and a sustainable maritime economy in the Baltic.Particularly on the topic of wastewater discharges, the International Maritime Organization has recently designated the Baltic Sea as a Special Area under MARPOL Annex IV, banning passenger ships from discharging sewage offshore from 2019/2021. The discussion focused on the practicalities of its implementation, particularly the need to expand and improve the region’s network of port reception facilities in order to make sure that cruise ships will be able to discharge their sewage while at berth.”Sustainability in the Baltic Sea Region is a common goal and regional collaboration is vital,” said Anna Petersson, Head of Environment Section at Swedish Transport Agency and the Chair of HELCOM Maritime Group. “It is important to investigate possibilities and incentives for voluntary application prior and beyond regulations.””All stakeholders should work together in order to find pragmatic, workable solutions that help ensure the Baltic Sea’s sustainability and also the cruise industry’s future in the region for years to come,” said Tom Strang, SVP Maritime Affairs at Carnival Corp. and & Chair of CLIA Europe’s Environment, Safety and Security Subcommittee. “There is an urgent need to balance economic and environmental policies so that they complement each other, rather than get in each other’s way.” * * * Notes for editors About HELCOMHELCOM (Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission – Helsinki Commission) is the governing body of the Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area, known as the Helsinki Convention. The Contracting Parties are Denmark, Estonia, the European Union, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia and Sweden. HELCOM was established four decades ago to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from all sources of pollution through intergovernmental cooperation. HELCOM’s vision for the future is a healthy Baltic Sea environment with diverse biological components functioning in balance, resulting in a good ecological status and supporting a wide range of sustainable economic and social activities. For more information, visit and follow HELCOM and pages bout CLIA Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. As the largest cruise industry trade association with 15 offices globally, CLIA has representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA’s mission is to support policies and practices that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment for the more than 23 million passengers who cruise annually, as well as to promote the value, desirability and affordability of the cruise vacation experience. Members are comprised of the world’s most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services, committed to the sustained success of the cruise industry. For more information, visit or follow Cruise Lines International Association on CLIA and pages * * * For more information, please contact:Johanna LaurilaInformation SecretaryHELCOMTel: +358 40 523 8988E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi Diego Llorens Echegaray ADVISOR | COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC AFFAIRSCruise Lines International Association (CLIA) EuropeRue Montoyer 40 | Brussels 1000Tel. +32 488 889 153​E-mail: g​​

Cruise industry stakeholders discuss effective solutions for responsible growth in the framework of the Eu-ropean Maritime Day.

​​HELCOM high level session spoke strongly for cross-sectoral and integrated approach in maritime policies High level participants from the Baltic Sea countries and EU, including the European Commissioner Karmenu Vella and Minister of Agriculture and the Environment of Finland Kimmo Tiilikainen, debated yesterday in a HELCOM session in Turku Finland, about how to protect the marine environment while enabling sustainable use and blue economy. ​ HELCOM Executive Secretary Monika Stankiewicz, European Commissioner Karmenu Vella and Minister of Agriculture and the Environment of Finland Kimmo Tiilikainen​.It was pointed out that the economic activities from our seas and oceans that respect environmental boundaries – blue growth – is a great opportunity. The economy depends on healthy seas and there is vast untapped potential for sustainable growth at sea. Protecting our seas and oceans can only be effective if it is seen as a common task within sectorial policies. Moreover, evaluating and demonstrating economic benefits derived from a healthy Baltic Sea is a key factor for ensuring environmental sustainability in economic growth. There is a role to play for RSCs such as HELCOM in reaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals adopted last fall also by all the Baltic coastal states. The participants brought up many examples from marine sectors such as marine litter, shipping, fisheries and maritime spatial planning, among others, where successful national practices have taken place – and also where regional governance, and integrated policies, should be of particular concern.                                                                                           “Working with HELCOM brings all Baltic countries and the EU together in their efforts to protect the marine environment in the Baltic Sea and to ensure that it provides a sustainable future for marine life and people who earn their living from it,” said Karmenu Vella, EU Commissioner of Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. “HELCOM is a great example of effective regional ocean governance and during our forthcoming Chairmanship we intend to make it even stronger.  During our HELCOM presidency over the next two years we will focus on three main priorities: improving our response to the challenges the Baltic Sea faces; managing its resources sustainably; and promoting knowledge and innovation.” Kimmo Tiilikainen, Minister of Agriculture and the Environment of Finland said that only if all countries bordering the sea continue to work actively, engage private actors and companies likewise – and find clever and effective ways to take the action that is needed – will the Baltic Sea become and remain clean and healthy. A lot has already been achieved but there is still a great challenge ahead of us – which can also be seen as an opportunity. The Minister also reminded that the high-level HELCOM session of today facilitates the preparations and way forward to the next HELCOM Ministerial Meeting scheduled for 2018.  The HELCOM Ministerial Session, hosted by the Finnish Environment Minister, was open for public and attracted a large audience. The event was arranged simultaneously with the 2016 European Maritime Day. The video recording of the event will be made available through the event web page by the end of May.​Session participants:Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, European Commission Kimmo Tiilikainen, Minister of the Environment of Finland Harry Liiv, HELCOM Chair, Ministry of the Environment of EstoniaJan Olsson, Environment Ambassador, Ministry of the Environment and Energy/Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Heike Imhoff, EU Water Director at the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear SafetySilver Vahtra, Head of Delegation for HELCOM, Ministry for the Environment of EstoniaJoanna Kopczyńska, Head of Delegation for HELCOM, Ministry of the Environment of Poland * * * 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. 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:Johanna LaurilaInformation SecretaryHELCOMTel: +358 40 523 8988Skype: helcom70​E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi

High level participants spoke strongly for cross-sectoral and integrated approach in maritime policies in HELCOM Ministerial Session.

​​​​​​​​​​HELCOM active at European Maritime Day 18-19 May 2016 in turku, Finland HELCOM and the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) will host a on effective solutions for responsible growth in cruising on 18 May at the in Turku, Finland. Registration to the workshop is ! >> >The workshop will present state-of-the-art developments in the cruise industry and discuss the potential for maritime stakeholders’ cooperation in responsible growth. The cruise industry has a proven record of adding significant economic value to Europe. Only by acting together, the potential of blue economy can be unlocked. The participants and speakers will together discuss challenges and concrete suggestions to remove bottlenecks for a prosperous future of cruising and a sustainable maritime economy. >>>The session runs from 9:00 to 10:30 and will be moderated by Hermanni Backer, Professional Secretary at HELCOM. Speaking will be:>Tom Strang (Senior Vice President, Maritime Affairs at CARNIVAL CORP. & PLC and Chair of the CLIA Europe Environment, Safety and Security Subcommittee),Anna Petersson (Head of environment section, Swedish Transport Agency) ,Kirsti Tarnanen-Sariola (Deputy Director, Finnish Port Association and European Sea Ports Organisation; TBC), andPauli Merriman (Director, WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme).>The brief outcome of the workshop will be made available soon afterwards. HELCOM has long worked on issues related to cruising in the Baltic Sea, with a last month with the IMO decision to bring the region into special sewage area status by 2021.  HELCOM elsewhere at European Maritime Day Coinciding with this year’s European Maritime Day (EMD), HELCOM is also organizing the on 18 May at 13:00-15:00. As a part of the official EMD programme HELCOM is co-organizing the session on with the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS). Further, HELCOM’s Executive Secretary Monika Stankiewicz will speak on 19 May at 08:30-10:30 at the session on . There will also be a under the theme of maritime spatial planning at the Networking Village. Interested parties may register to European Maritime Day . Please note that some workshops, such as , require separate registration. ​​​* * * 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. 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:Johanna LaurilaInformation SecretaryHELCOMTel: +358 40 523 8988Skype: helcom70E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi​

Register soon to the workshop on effective solutions for responsible growth in cruising on 18 May at the 9th European Maritime Day in Turku, Finland.

​​​​​​WORKSHOP ON THE ROADMAP FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS DESIGNATION OF BALTIC SEA AND THE NORTH SEA NECAS  24-25 May 2016, St. Petersburg, Russia​HELCOM and North Sea countries have decided to apply in parallel for a NECA status for both the Baltic Sea and North Sea areas from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). When enforced, the Emission Control Areas (ECA) for Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), will considerably limit the ​polluting emissions from ships. style=”max-width:100%;”>The major basis for the workshop is the revised  for the Baltic Sea and the North Sea NECAs, which was agreed on at the last HELCOM Annual Meeting on 10 March 2016. style=”max-width:100%;”> style=”max-width:100%;”>To assist the parallel application, the responsible authority in the Russian Federation is organizing a workshop for stakeholders, including governance bodies and administrators as well as technology developers, ship owners and port authorities. style=”max-width:100%;”>If you are interested in registering to the workshop please use the following contacts: Ms Natalia Kutaeva, Councellor to the Director, Marine Rescue Service of Rosmorrechflot (MRS)>- morMr. Victoria Gunchenko
–  style=”max-width:100%;”> style=”max-width:100%;”>Draft programme will be released soon. style=”max-width:100%;”> style=”max-width:100%;”TOPICS OF THE WORKSHOPThe first day of the workshop will focus on the requirements of the MARPOL Convention on NOx emissions from ships, and the procedures of designation of the emission control areas. Invited speakers will share the latest information on the technologies of the Tier III NOx emission standards, including availability, efficiency and equipment particularities. style=”max-width:100%;”> style=”max-width:100%;”>The second part is aimed at national administrations. Topics will cover experiences of the North American ECAs, benefits of synchronized Baltic Sea and North Sea NECA designation, and also the rationale and status of the IMO application for both Baltic Sea and North Sea NECAs. style=”max-width:100%;”>​

The workshop on 24-25 May in St. Petersburg, Russia, will prepare HELCOM and North Sea countries to apply, as decided, in parallel for a NECA status from IMO.

​​​​​A major milestone reached through HELCOM cooperation The International Maritime Organization (IMO) agreed this week that the Baltic Sea special area for sewage discharges from passenger ships under Annex IV or the MARPOL Convention will take effect by latest 2021 for IMO registered passenger vessels. However, in certain cases of direct passages between St. Petersburg area and the North Sea there is a two-year extension to the deadline, until 2023.The decision means that by 2021 all IMO registered passenger vessels sailing in the Baltic Sea, as the first region in the world, must discharge all sewage at port reception facilities (PRFs), or treat it with an on-board treatment plant certified to meet stringent special area requirements. For new ships built on or later than 2019, these requirements will apply earlier.The significant outcome concludes the long HELCOM aiming to limit sewage discharges in the Baltic Sea from passenger vessels, as the emissions have negative impact on the marine environment.The decision was made during the meeting of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) ending today in London.The proposal to designate the Baltic Sea as a special area for sewage within MARPOL Annex IV was developed by the HELCOM Maritime Working Group, which is made up of maritime administrations of the Baltic Sea coastal countries and the EU. This proposal was submitted to IMO MEPC by the coastal countries in 2010, following a decision by the 2007 HELCOM Ministerial Meeting in Cracow, Poland.Based on the submission the Baltic Sea was designated by IMO as a special area for sewage in 2011. However, according to the IMO decision this status would only take effect once the coastal countries informed IMO that adequate Port Reception Facilities are available in the region. By the IMO meeting this week, all Baltic coastal countries had sent confirmation of adequate reception facilities in Baltic ports, as a result of substantial work on port reception facilities for sewage and their use in the Baltic Sea area by national administrations, ports and the passenger ship industry.In order to document overall on sewage PRFs and their use in the region during recent years, an was published by HELCOM in early 2015.Upcoming events where related issues will be discussed include a joint by HELCOM and CLIA on 18 May during the EU Maritime Day 2016 in Turku, Finland, and the International Workshop on Port Reception Facilities for the Baltic Sea as Special Area according to MARPOL Annex IV by Germany and BPO on 30 June – 1 July in Kiel, Germany. BackgroundThe momentum to submit a proposal to designate the Baltic Sea as a sewage special area comes from the fact that standards for, and implementation of, sewage treatment on the shore in the Baltic Sea region have been tightened considerably during the last decades—with stringent requirements applied today not only to cities but also to smaller municipalities and in some countries even leisure boats. The Nitrogen and Phosphorus contained in ship sewage aggravate the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea.From the perspective of the Baltic Sea, this week’s decision in London is a major milestone in more than 35 years of work to improve facilities and reduce sewage emissions from ships in the region. Already at the first meeting of the Helsinki Commission, or HELCOM, in 1980, the coastal countries adopted regional Recommendations targeting sewage from passenger ships, concerning both port reception as well as on-board treatment plants.[1] The process has seen several rounds of negotiations and milestones as part of HELCOM Ministerial Meetings, such as the Baltic Sea PRF strategy of 1996 and the 2010 list of priority ports for sewage PRF upgrades. Very importantly, since Convention revision in 1992 these negotiations have included in addition to national administrations also the shipping industry as well as ports. * * *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 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, 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:Anna Petersson Chair of HELCOM Maritime group Head of Environment Section Swedish Transport Agency Tel: +46 10 4953 249 E-mail: anna.petersson(at)transportstyrelsen.se Hermanni Backer Professional Secretary for Maritime, Response and Fish groups HELCOM Tel:  +358 46 8509199 E-mail: hermanni.backer(at)helcom.fi​[1] See e.g. HELCOM Recommendation 1/5 (adopted 5 May 1980): “Recommendation concerning the application by the Baltic Sea states of guidelines for type testing and approval of sewage treatment systems”.​

The agreement, reached through HELCOM cooperation, will take effect by latest 2021 for IMO registered passenger vessels.

​​Dear Colleagues,The milestone of the year 2015 was the adoption of the Regional Action Programme for Marine Litter in June. Concrete work for the plan started in May 2014, following the Ministerial commitment in 2013 binding all the Baltic coastal governments and EU. The drafting process, led by Germany, benefited from the expertise of non-governmental organizations, research institutions, industry, administration and authorities. Thanks to the wide consultations the plan is very comprehensive and includes an excellent set of actions to combat marine litter. Now the challenge is to find leaders and implementers for each action so that fine ideas are followed by concrete work and results. I am glad that we could take this forward in the HELCOM Marine Litter Stakeholder Conference held on Wednesday.In October the modernized database of Baltic Sea Marine Protected Areas (HELCOM MPAs) was released. The database provides easy and user-friendly access – for anybody interested – to detailed and new information on coastal and marine HELCOM MPAs such as on human pressures, threat categories and monitoring of species, biotopes and biotope complexes as well as about national protection status. I can proudly say that the HELCOM MPA database stands out among other similar databases on regional and global levels, particularly because of its vast coverage and because the information is contains is current.  The comparable data sets and assessments of pollution loads cover both the nine HELCOM countries and also more distant transboundary sources; they are unique from a worldwide perspective. Without this data it would be impossible to assess major pressures from human activities. Last year a new approach was introduced and agreed to the future Pollution Load Compilation (PLC) assessments. This will ensure more clearly distinguished products, smooth and operationalized regular updating of the products, and better sharing of responsibilities of different actors for timely delivery.One of these new products prepared and released in December was the assessment of progress towards reaching Country-allocated Reduction Targets. This was a major scientific achievement considering the complexity of the issue and high political interest, and we thank all the dedicated scientists and experts for the product. At the same time, it has become evident that there is a new need for a more concise product for policy-makers. Implementing this approach in PLC remains a main task – for all of us – also for this year, but it can only happen with the active involvement of more Contracting Parties. I am especially proud what we have managed to achieve within the project on making HELCOM eutrophication assessments operational (EUTRO-OPER). This project resulted in a tool for the integration of indicators, an assessment protocol, and a solution to increase the comparability of assessment of open sea and coastal waters. But importantly, work and data flows have been automated, including in-built step-wise approval procedure by national experts of the assessment product, providing a solid system for easy updates of the eutrophication assessment in the future. This was accomplished in partnership with ICES. The ambition is to follow this approach also for other themes as far as possible, within the work on the Second Holistic Assessment of the Ecosystem Health of the Baltic Sea (HOLASII).  The preparation of HOLAS II was at full speed last year and will continue to be the major umbrella activity of HELCOM in the near future. The aim is not only to produce a single assessment publication, but to create a longer-lasting and web-based system to serve future updates, and to enable better use nationally and increased outreach. This means improved documentation, semi-automation and use of the HELCOM working structure to maintain the system as opposed to project-maintained assessment.All necessary ingredients for making HOLAS II a success are in place – it has been planned in detail and is well coordinated, Contracting Parties are committed and their best experts are engaged, and for the first time ever I can state that I feel comfortable in terms of available resources for the exercise (albeit not all needs can be secured yet). EU grants for two actions we call BalticBOOST and HELCOM TAPAS projects have significantly helped in this respect and are very much appreciated.This carefully planned assessment will also be truly holistic, as it will include integrated assessment of themes on eutrophication, hazardous substances and biodiversity, and results of separate HELCOM Maritime Assessment will be used as well. Commercial fish species, as they are part of the marine ecosystem, will also be assessed, along with cumulative pressures and impacts from major human activities, based on the improved data and information. Marine litter and underwater noise, not assessed previously, will be new elements. For the first time, a social and economic analysis will also be truly incorporated into the HELCOM assessment by linking human activities to pressures and impacts on ecosystem components within one holistic framework. The work on social and economic analysis that started last year may prove itself to be one of the milestones or a break-through for future HELCOM work. Such aspect has been largely lacking in HELCOM work so far, which has prevented full use of HELCOM results in many spheres and sectors. We have now fair chances to rectify this obvious shortcoming. So we stand firm in terms of preparing HOLAS II in HELCOM. But there are other circumstances and processes that influence our work and need to be catered for. On the European level a parallel process takes place to make assessments. It makes no sense to duplicate the work, and the HELCOM countries that are also EU members have already agreed to use HOLAS II as the basis of the national assessments under the EUMSFD.>While I am absolutely convinced it will be possible to cater also for this need, I find it of paramount importance that both immediate national management needs and longer-term HELCOM policy needs are met, and that:the HELCOM assessment system improves and is based on the best available sciencethat we are able to compare the outcome to the previous assessment that we show how far from reaching the Good Environmental Status (GES) we are – as likely most of the areas in the Baltic Sea will be still short of the target – and that we also show progress and improvement.We will not be in a position to maintain political attention unless we start demonstrating the effects our decisions and actions are bringing.Last but not least, two issues that have been or are about to be concluded during this Meeting are important accomplishments as well: a new HELCOM Recommendation on sustainable aquaculture, efficiently led by the Fish group, established not so long ago but already working at full speed, and a decision to submit the proposal by HELCOM countries to designate the Baltic Sea as a NECA IMO MEPC 70, in parallel with the North Sea NECA submission. This has been a splendid meeting of the Helsinki Commission, thank you Contracting Parties, Observers and colleagues in the Secretariat.  

The Statement of Executive Secretary on the work of HELCOM Secretariat including her comments and evaluation of the work of the Commission and its subsidiary bodies.

​​​Today the Annual Meeting of the Helsinki Commission (), consisting of the Baltic coastal countries and the EU, have agreed on a Roadmap which includes a commitment to submit to IMO a proposal for a Baltic Sea NOx Emission Control Area (NECA) – according to the IMO MARPOL Convention Annex VI -​ in parallel with the North Sea. According to the Roadmap it will be submitted to the IMO MEPC 70 meeting, scheduled already for next autumn. Photo: Maritime Office in GdyniaNitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions from shipping is a major source of airborne deposition of Nitrogen, aggravating the serious eutrophication of the Baltic Sea. According to estimates, Baltic Sea NECA has potential to cost-efficiently and significantly – around 7 kilotons – reduce Nitrogen input to the Baltic Sea annually after a time lag needed for fleet renewal as the regulation addresses only new ships.The initiative for a Baltic Sea NECA emerges from the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan, agreed by the nine coastal countries and the EU in 2007. Since 2007 HELCOM has carried out the necessary environmental and economic studies, finalized the needed submission papers as well as carried out intensive negotiations on the right timing for a final submission to IMO. This anticipated reduction is significant and corresponds to more than the entire country-wise Nitrogen pollution load reduction commitment of several Baltic Sea countries according to the HELCOM Country Allocated Reduction Target (CART) scheme agreed in 2007, and updated in 2013.​Beginning tomorrow the coastal countries and the HELCOM Secretariat will prepare for a submission to the MEPC 70 Meeting, scheduled to take place in October 2016. This Baltic Sea NECA submission is planned to take place parallel to a similar NECA submission from the North Sea countries. >​* * *Note for editorsDuring the last decade shipping has steadily increased in the Baltic Sea, reflecting intensifying co-operation and economic prosperity around the region. The 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 in accordance to the 1992 Helsinki Convention. 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.  * * *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​​

Today the Annual Meeting of HELCOM, consisting of the Baltic coastal countries and the EU, have agreed on a NECA Roadmap which has potential to significantly reduce NOx input from ships.

​​​​​​​​​National maritime traffic authorities from the Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union will meet at the annual of the HELCOM working group on maritime issues starting today.Emissions from ships is one workimng area of HELCOM Maritime group. Photo: Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services/Jan Ekebom​One of the more recent issues on the agenda is to consider the drafting of a comprehensive HELCOM assessment of maritime activities in the Baltic Sea area by 2016, as producing such an assessment was agreed by the coastal countries and EU during the 2013 HELCOM Ministerial .Based on national submissions, HELCOM updates annually a number of datasets on maritime activities in the Baltic Sea area covering issues such as spills observed via aerial surveillance, shipping intensity () and accidents, response operations, fisheries activities and dredging. The HELCOM Maritime Assessment, anticipated to be approved for release in December 2016, will synthesize this kind of information and utilize other sources to get a comprehensive overview of maritime activities as well their environmental effects. The publication will particularly focus on developments during the last ten years, from 2005 until 2015.Besides the regular data collection, the Maritime Assessment will also use results of other ongoing assessment activities such as the initiative to draft an HELCOM assessment on hazardous objects dumped or lost in the Baltic Sea by 2016. Moreover, the Maritime Assessment will support other activities within the HELCOM framework and eventually be an opportunity to consider the long term effects of shipping regulations in the region.The Meeting will also cover several other issues of more operational nature such as regional implementation of the Ballast Water Convention, implementation of the Baltic Sulphide Oxide Emission Control Area (SECA), Baltic Sea as a MARPOL Annex IV Sewage Special Area, as well as revised recommendations for harmonized fines.The Meeting will be hosted by the Lithuanian Maritime Authority in Klaipeda, Lithuania, and chaired by Ms. Anna Petersson, Sweden, Chair of HELCOM Maritime. . All documents will be public after the meeting. * * * Note for editorsThe , 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 IMOs international shipping regulations in accordance to the 1992 Helsinki Convention. Sub-groups include the HELCOM-OSPAR Task on Ballast Water Management (regional dimensions of implementing the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention), Expert on Safety of Navigation, Expert Working for Mutual Exchange and Deliveries of Automatic Identification System (AIS) Data, and HELCOM Cooperation 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. * * * 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​

National maritime traffic authorities from the Baltic Sea coastal countries and EU will meet at the annual meeting of the HELCOM Maritime group starting today.

​​​​​Ships’ ballast water and related risk assessment procedure is the topic of a taking place today and tomorrow in Gdansk, Poland, of the dedicated formed by HELCOM and OSPAR. The cooperation between the Baltic Sea and North-East Atlantic areas on regional exemptions for ballast water is necessary because of the international character of shipping and delivers solutions that can also be applied in other regions.As ships’ ballast water may carry alien species which are harmful to the marine environment, the Regional Seas Conventions such as HELCOM and OSPAR have long worked on the issue for ensuring safer practices. The joint harmonized procedure on exemptions has globally been considered a good practice of regional cooperation on ballast water risk assessments, which other regions may use as an example. The method has raised also practical interest in the North American Great Lakes region, where port sampling according to the HELCOM-OSPAR approach has been carried out recently. Four ports in the eastern Great Lakes area – Buffalo, Oswego, Ashtabula and Toledo – have been sampled for alien species using the joint HELCOM-OSPAR method in 2014-2015 by Buffalo State University of New York. One of the issues under debate in the task group, between the participating countries, shipping industry and NGOs, is the revision of the criteria for target species, or species of special interest. Such target species are a key feature in the procedure which aims at assessing in a scientifically justifiable way the risk of deviations from the ballast water practices outlined in the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention. Moreover, with the help of the joint task group, the coastal countries and ship owners have in place since 2013 a common harmonised method and an online tool for identifying low risk routes which might be exempt. The meeting will be chaired by Mr. Henrik Ramstedt, Environmental Specialist at the Swedish Transport Agency.* * * Note for editors:The Maritime 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, 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. * * *For more information, please contact:Hermanni BackerProfessional Secretary for Maritime, Response and Maritime Spatial PlanningHELCOMTel:  +358 46 8509199Skype: helcom02E-mail: hermanni.backer(at)helcom.fi Johanna LaurilaInformation SecretaryHELCOMTel: +358 40 523 8988Skype: helcom70E-mail: johanna.laurila(at)helcom.fi

Ships’ ballast water and related risk assessment procedure is the topic of a meeting taking place today and tomorrow in Gdansk, Poland, of the dedicated task group.