Azerbaijan backs international convention on harmful ship coatings

Azerbaijan has backed joining the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships (AFS Convention), an international treaty aimed at protecting the marine environment from toxic ship hull coatings.

The draft law on accession was considered by parliament as part of the country’s efforts to align with international maritime standards. 

The convention, adopted under the International Maritime Organization (IMO), prohibits the use of certain harmful chemicals, including organotin compounds, in anti-fouling systems used to prevent marine organisms from attaching to ship hulls. According to the IMO, such substances can damage marine ecosystems and enter the food chain.

By joining the convention, Azerbaijan would be required to enforce these rules for ships flying its flag as well as vessels entering its ports and offshore terminals.