Is ballast water treatment mandatory?

What do ships need to do, now the treaty is in force? From the date of entry into force, ships in international traffic are required to manage their ballast water and sediments to a certain standard, according to a ship-specific ballast water management plan.

What is the aim of the Ballast Water Management Convention Bwmc )?

Main articles of the BWM Convention Parties accept to undertake comprehensive actions in order to prevent, reduce and if possible eliminate the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens through the control and management of ships’ ballast water and sediments.

How can ballast water management be improved?

The main types of ballast water treatment technologies available in the market are:

1. Filtration Systems (physical)
2. Chemical Disinfection ( oxidizing and non-oxidizing biocides)
3. Ultra-violet treatment.
4. Deoxygenation treatment.
5. Heat (thermal treatment)
6. Acoustic (cavitation treatment)
7. Electric pulse/pulse plasma systems.

Are there any changes to the ballast water management convention?

Amendments and resolutions relating to the International Maritime Organisation’s Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention may affect ship survey and type approval work. Be aware of the following changes, adopted by the IMO’s Maritime Environment Protection Committee during its 72 nd session (MEPC 72):

What did the International Maritime Organization do about ballast water?

To regulate the ballast water discharge from ships and to control the transfer of invasive species; The International Maritime Organization adopted the INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF SHIP’S BALLAST WATER AND SEDIMENTS (BWM Convention) in February 2004.

What are the two regulations for ballast water?

The Convention includes two regulations that define ballast water management standards; Regulation D-1 addresses the Ballast Water Exchange standard and Regulation D-2 details the Ballast Water Performance standard towards treatment of ballast water using Type Approved Ballast Water Management System.

When to phase out the ballast water exchange?

After 8th September 2017, the ballast water exchange method would be phased out and a type approved “Ballast Water Management System” is to be installed onboard. Compliance with the Performance Standard (D-2) seems to be achievable only by use of a BW treatment system.