BEMA rebrands to embrace broader environmental focus

The trade association for ballast water treatment system equipment providers and associated suppliers, Ballastwater Equipment Manufacturers Association (BEMA), is to change its name to Ballastwater & Environmental Manufacturers’ Association (BWEMA).

BEMA was formed in February 2018, to present, among other things, a single point of contact and voice at IMO and other regulators.

With the introduction of the biological D-2 compliance on 8 September 2024, ballast water treatment will be less of a retrofit installation process and enter a mature phase of maintenance and spares supply.

Meanwhile, IMO has expanded its focus at the Maritime Environment Protection Committee to embrace biofouling and wastewater management.

The change of the association name to BWEMA signals an expansion into the other environmental areas in the shipping industry.