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

Prof Stephen de Mora has stepped down as a director of Global TestNet Ltd.
January 2023
We would like to thank Steve for his years of service and support for Global TestNet. On behalf of PML Applications, Steve was one of the original signatories of Global TestNet’s Busan agreement. Steve was also very supportive in PML hosting a key meeting at a critical time to secure Global TestNet’s continuance. Steve was also one of the Founding Directors of Global TestNet Ltd. Thank you Steve!
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.
Read more >>
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.
Global TestNet submits significant dataset to the IMO's Experience Building Phase.
Click here to read the document (PDF, 390KB)
The IMarEST’s 1st Global Conference on Biofouling Management for Maritime Industries will bring together specialists from across this multidisciplinary and multisectoral field to support the development of a practical and sustainable path forward for maritime industries to achieve outcomes that will better protect the global maritime environment.
Find out more on the IMarEST website >
Ballast water compliance testing: the importance of testing for the organisms in the ≥50 μm size class
Global TestNet members conclude that assessing compliance by solely testing organisms in the ≥10 μm to <50 μm size class or testing indicator microbes cannot ensure that the objectives of the BWM Convention are met.
> Read the report (PDF 230KB)
Global TestNet becomes a legal entity!
Global TestNet CLG registered in the UK as a company limited by guarantee. This not-for-profit organisation is to become a new member association to continue the good work of Global TestNet. The company will be overseen by its board of directors: Dr Guillaume Drillet (chair), Tim Fileman, Prof Stephen de Mora and Chris Brown.
Ankron Water Services now a member of Global TestNet
Erik Köster, Managing Director said: “We are very happy to join the testing expert group and contribute with our experience and knowledge. I believe it is more important than ever for the industry leaders to cooperate and speak with one voice to improve testing and corresponding regulations like commissioning testing, VIDA and method validations.”
Read the full article on LinkedIn >
Thank you for Supporting the Sustainable Ocean Summit 2019
The
World Ocean Council would like to express their gratitude for Global TestNet's support of the
SOS 2019 as an Event Endorser.
Global TestNet Position Statement on BWMS Commissioning
This statement is in response to stakeholders’ potential concerns raised as a result of recent closure of two test facility members of the Global TestNet.