United States on Its Way to Becoming a 'Contracting State' For the IMO Antifouling Systems Treaty

摘要

The United States is set to become the next "Contracting State" for the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) Antifouling Systems Treaty, following President Obama's recent approval of the treaty's ratification package. In August, President Obama signed the ratification package, and on August 21, the U.S. Ambassador in London deposited the instrument of ratification at the IMO. This step will help protect domestic waters, safeguard the global environment, and promote the development of safer technologies for controlling biofouling on ship hulls. The International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems, commonly known as the Anti-Fouling Convention (AFS or Treaty), will enter into force for the Unites States on November 21, 2012.