"To promote comparable and accurate test results on the performance evaluation of technologies and methodologies to control the risk of bio-invasion and harmful species introductions by shipping, through an open exchange of information, transparency in methodologies and advancing the science of testing."

The Global TestNet was initially developed to address the need for standardization and comparability in the testing of ballast water management systems (BWMS).

The first meeting of testing organisations took place in Malmo (Sweden) in 2010 under the umbrella of GloBallast Partnership, and test facilities agreed to enter a Memorandum of Understanding in 2013 during an annual meeting in Busan (Korea). In 2016, the members voted for additional by-laws (e.g. on voting) and voted on September 8 2017 in favour of expanding the network beyond BWMS testing, and into biofouling in order to further support the shipping industry and its numerous stakeholders in managing the risk of bio-invasions and harmful species introductions into aquatic environments.

The members of Global TestNet have agreed to:

  • discuss and share methodologies, analytical procedures and protocols used to support certification testing, and provide insight and lessons learned, to help improve the overall quality and efficiency of management technology testing through:
    • participation in quarterly correspondence via website, email list, conference calls etc.
    • participation in annual meetings (member representatives do not need to attend in person)
  • build awareness of, and coordinate where appropriate with, other members’ testing activities
  • work together toward consensus on standardization, to the extent possible, of test and analytical methods and approaches, to increase the comparability and accuracy of results among tests
  • when possible, participate in cross-training and inter-calibration among the members to increase comparability and consistency within Global TestNet
  • when appropriate, assist in vetting or validation of new testing and analytical methods
  • encourage diverse inputs from scientific experts, including those outside the ballast water testing community

News

We would like to welcome Oema to our growing list of members

OEMA logo

Oema are experienced testers of ship’s ballast water and construction material. They also supply chemicals, equipment and site surveys (Asbestos, Noise Monitoring, Air Testing, Local Exhaust Ventilation, Workplace Monitoring, Legionella Risk Assessments, Thermographic Surveys plus Confined Space & Authorised Gas Testing,). Their wide range of expertise is a very welcome addition to the Global TestNet team. Welcome Oema!

We would like to welcome Karlab to our growing list of members

Karlab logo

Karlab are experienced testers of ballast water, drinking water, EGCS wash water, bilge water, fuel oil and exhaust gases. Their wide range of expertise is a very welcome addition to the Global TestNet team. Welcome Karlab!

We would like to welcome Endures to our growing list of members

Endures logo

Endures has over 50 years of experience combining the disciplines: metallurgy, biology and corrosion. They bring much needed expertise in biofouling and antifouling to the Global TestNet team.


PEMSEA Regional Task Force meets to progress biofouling strategy 

A Partnership for Environment Management in the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) Regional Task Force meeting took place (23-25 November 2022) in Manila, the Philippines, hosted by Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). The goal of the meeting is to advance towards the establishment of a regional strategy to manage biofouling in the East Asian Seas, to minimize the introduction of Invasive Aquatic Species (IAS). Guillaume Drillet, Chair of Global TestNet (a strategic partner of GloFouling Partnerships) presented about standardization and testing of Biofouling.

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Biofouling Solutions joins Global TestNet

We would like to warmly welcome the multi award winning Biofouling Solutions to Global TestNet! The  internationally recognised Australian team of biosecurity consultants has been delivering pragmatic advice and hands-on assistance to help regulators and the global shipping industry manage biofouling and Invasive Aquatic Species since 2008. Collectively, their team has over 75 years’ experience with researching and/or managing biofouling and Invasive Aquatic Species.  

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