The capacity of maritime officials from Francophone countries in west and central Africa to implement two key IMO environment treaties is being strengthened at workshops held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (3-7 October). The training focuses on MARPOL Annex VI on the prevention of air pollution from ships and on energy efficiency; and the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention.
The first workshop focuses on the process of ratification, implementation and enforcement of MARPOL Annex VI. Participants are being familiarized with the IMO regulations to fight against air pollutants from shipping and the principles and objectives of the Initial IMO Strategy on reduction of GHG from ships. The training covers a wide range of issues, including sulphur oxide regulations; data collection system for fuel oil consumption of ships; and the energy efficiency and carbon intensity of international shipping - including the latest amendments to MARPOL Annex VI.
The second workshop will enhance awareness, knowledge and skills of participants on all aspects of the BWM Convention, which is aimed at preventing the spread of potentially invasive species in ships' ballast water.
This will support increased ratification, effective implementation and enforcement of the BWM Convention in the region, including implementation of related Guidelines. The goal is enhanced capacity amongst the region’s administrations in ballast water management and control.
A session focusing on port State control (PSC) matters relating to both instruments is being held, with participation by the Secretary-General of the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for the West and Central African Region (Abuja MoU).
Some 35 government personnel from Benin, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Guinea, Mauritania, and Togo are receiving the training, in French, through in-person workshops.
The training is delivered through IMO's Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP).