Liberia is proposing that certain vessels are given additional time beyond 2020 to install new adequate ballast water management systems (BWMS).

The Liberian Maritime Administration (LISCR) plans to introduce its proposal to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) meeting in London on 24 October.

From 8 September 2017 more ships will be required to install new BWMS in accordance with IMO guidelines.

David Pascoe, senior vice-president of operation & standards at LISCR, said: "In order to allow more time for new systems to become available and for shipowners to decide which system to invest in and install, Liberia has proposed that shipowners may decide if they wish to renew a ship’s international oil pollution prevention (IOPP) certificate earlier than scheduled in order to have an additional four to five years to see if new equipment becomes available."

It is estimated that the cost to retrofit a BWMS is estimated to be up to $5m per ship, according to LISCR.

On Thursday, the Marshall Islands Registry said it would support proposals that would allow a five-year trial period for shipowners and would not object early IOPP certificate renewal.

Since there are no BMWS currently approved by the US, the industry has expressed its concerns that it could take several years for equipment approved under the new IMO guidelines to be readily available for installation.

Pascoe added: "It is by no means certain that adequate new systems will be commercially available in sufficient quantities within this period.

"Additionally, based on a study by Liberia, the dockyard capacity to fit systems on board ships will fall well short of peak demand, expected to occur in 2020-2021."