Various proposals for amendments and unified interpretations were discussed at MEPC in correlation to the guidelines of the BWM Convention. Operational matters regarding the implementation of the BWM Convention were also under consideration. Two additional BWMSs were type approved at this meeting pending the outcome of GESAMP-BWWG 42. BWMS guidance on BWM in challenging waters […]

There was a lot going on in the maritime industry last week as a larger than expected crowd networked at exhibition stands, participated in workshops and enjoyed a number of sporting events at Posidona 2022. Concurrently, the 78th Session of the Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC 78) was meeting virtually from, 6 – 10 June […]

In March 2022, the United States Coast Guard announced the availability of the Final Policy Letter describing type-approval testing methods, and the acceptance process for those methods, for ballast water management systems (BWMS). In the draft policy, the USCG did not describe the use of the existing testing method to test organism viability. However, in […]

Tackling climate change with a focus on the ever-challenging GHG emissions from ships was the focus of MEPC 77. Recognizing that the Committee needed to strengthen the existing initiative on the ‘IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG emissions from ships’ they invited Member States and International Organizations to send revised strategies for consideration at MEPC […]

After 15 June 2022, any ship entering, or with trade routes that have the intention to enter Australia, must have a Biofouling Management Plan and Record Book on hand. The documents require information about biofouling management and voyage history of the vessel over the past 12 months prior to entering Australian territory. According to the […]

California State Lands Commission adopts federal ballast water discharge standards and is hosting two webinars about changes in the regulations that will become effective on January 1, 2022. See below for dates and description of the webinars. November 18, 2021, 10-11:00 a.m. Provide information about the new requirements. December 16, 2021, 10-11:00 a.m. Provide further […]

There was a lot of movement going on in the ballast water management system (BWMS) marketplace early this month with the acquisition of Calgon Carbon Corporations UV Technologies Division, which included Hyde Marine BWMS, by De Nora. With this procurement De Nora will be able to expand their BWMS product line by combining their BALPURE […]

The Ballastwater Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (BEMA) has prepared a Position Statement to “…present technical information and considerations from the treatment system manufacturer and system component supplier perspectives.” “BEMA and its Members are keen to ensure that BWMS installed on ships trading worldwide are installed correctly, and operate reliably and safely. BWMS equipment will deliver compliant […]

In an article, “Act Now or Face the Consequences” Clean Shipping International talked to several leading ballast water management system (BWMS) players to hear their views on testing, the G8 rules and the forthcoming IMO meetings. Debra DiCianna, Senior Compliance Engineer, explained the role of G8 and the additional testing soon to be required at […]

INTERTANKO (the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners) initiated a survey covering occurrences from 1 July 2019 to 5 April 2021 identifying port waters that challenged the efficacy of a ship’s ballast water management system (BWMS). Of the 91 reports received from their members, 59 ports were identified with water conditions that can affect the […]