How does Panama contribute to the introduction of environmental regulation at the IMO?
A – Criteria for entry into force of IMO conventions tend to be related to tonnage. By virtue of the size of the Panamanian registry, therefore, ratification by Panama can – in some instances – be important. For example, ratification by Panama was a key signatory contributing to the ratification of the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships (AFS), in September last year. Anti-fouling agents are used to prevent algae, molluscs and barnacles from attaching themselves to a ship’s hull. Many of the anti-fouling paints in use today contain metallic compounds which are potentially harmful to other sea life – and may enter into the food chain. When the AFS Convention enters into force, ships will be forbidden to apply any anti-fouling paint containing the organotin compound tributylin (TBT). Agreement on a solution to the challenge of environmental pollution from anti-fouling agents was reached after much discussion between all of the players involved
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