Saudi Aramco will require ballast water samples for ships making call on its ports and terminals, according to a notice from Inchape Shipping Services.

Saudi Aramco said the initiative is to ensure all ships comply with the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) ballast water management convention. It said it will start enforcing the initiative 16 August. 

The convention was scheduled to enter into force for ships entering their first dry dock after September 2017.