EU-Interreg Project COMPLETE: Ballast water and biofouling

The COMPLETE project "Completing management options in the Baltic Sea Region to reduce risk of invasive species introduction by shipping" is an EU-Interreg Baltic Sea Region project involving 12 partners from 7 Baltic Sea countries.

With the implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention and the management of biofouling, COMPLETE addresses the two key challenges for shipping, authorities, environmental organizations and policy with regard to invasive species introduction, cost efficiency, reduction of emissions as well as harmonization and competitive equality in the Baltic Sea Region.
One of COMPLETE's aims is to minimize the introduction and spread of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens by shipping by developing recommendations for regionally harmonized and adaptive management strategies for the Baltic Sea Region.

The BSH contributes not only by the development of criteria relating to the implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention, but is also collecting and providing missing information on biofouling management. This includes information on national regulations and practices for ship cleaning in the Baltic Sea countries. One of the aims is to develop a guide of best practices and best available technologies for biofouling management in the region.

This will be based on an active exchange with stakeholders such as shipowners, shipyards, boat owners and authorities.