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 […]

“Choice Ballast Solutions (Choice) is developing Ballast Water Management Plans (BWMPs) and Biofouling Management Plans for the entire Carnival Fleet – 24 cruise ships – including the new MARDI GRAS.  Over 20 BWMPs have been provided at this time.  The Choice BWMP template is streamlined and clearly specifies the requirements, addresses any BWMS special issues […]

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 […]

Speaking at a recent Riviera webinar “The BWMS market: crystal clear or murky waters, Debra DiCianna noted that ballast water treatment system was “the gift that keeps on giving.” … As Ms. DiCianna stated in the article written after the webinar, “compliance starts with the documentation. ‘The best way for you to have a compliant […]

Another successfully completed 3D scan by Choice Ballast Solutions! This one was on board the American Phoenix. The retrofit project will include three Alfa Laval ballast water management systems for their vessel. The scanning was done at Marcus Hook Anchorage just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA.

The BWMS market: crystal clear or murky waters?, part of the Ballast Water Webinar Week Wednesday 17th February at 14:00-14:45 GMT In support of Day 3 for the February Riviera Maritime Media Ballast Water Webinar Week, Choice Ballast Solutions will provide an update on which BWMS are available in the market and other information that […]

Choice Ballast Solutions and sister company, NETSCo completed a 3D scan and survey of the “Mantaro” in Lima, Peru in preparation of a ballast water management system (BWMS) retrofit. Choice uses sophisticated computerized modeling software to build a fully interactive 3D model of the vessel that is used to develop conceptual designs to aid in […]

Paul Mueller, Choice Ballast Solution (Choice) Service Manager is shown in the engine room finalizing the 3D scan and survey of the Mar Pacifico in preparation for the Desmi Ocean Guard A/S CompactClean ballast water management system (BWMS) retrofit. This 3D modeling project will demonstrate how the CompactClean system, and associated filters and piping, will […]

Senior compliance engineer Debra DiCianna discusses the EPA’s proposed performance standards for vessel incidental discharges in an OpEd posted on the Riviera Maritime Media website. “On 26 October 2020, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published proposed performance standards for vessel incidental discharges. The proposed rulemaking was the first step in moving from the Vessel […]

The latest Great Lakes / Seaway Review article concerning the inconsistency in environmental regulations in the Great Lakes was co-written by Debra DiCianna, Senior Compliance Engineer, Choice Ballast Solutions and Richard Mueller, President/CEO of NETSCo, Inc. with a focus on the expanded requirements in both the U.S. and Canada regarding ballast water management regulations. Excerpt: […]

On 7 December 2020, Debra DiCianna will speak at BWMTech Global. This virtual event organized by Maritime Informa Connect is highlighted as, “the world’s leading ballast water management conference helping you to achieve operational efficiency and continued compliance.” Ms. DiCianna’s presentation is, Understanding the EPA Proposed Performance Standards. To register, go to https://informaconnect.com/ballast-water-management-technology/agenda/download/

Excerpts from https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-releases-proposal-better-protect-ecosystems-incidental-discharges-marine-vessels (10/6/20) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed standards to reduce the environmental impact of discharges, such as ballast water, that are incidental to the normal operation of commercial vessels. When finalized, this new rule will streamline the current patchwork of federal, state, and local requirements that apply to the commercial vessel [...]

Choice Ballast Solutions (Choice) has completed their latest 3D scan project for Hyde Shipping in preparation for an upcoming retrofit of the Alfa Laval ballast water management system. The project has encompassed doing 3D scans onboard the vessel, a BWM Plan along with basic and detailed engineering designs in collaboration with sister company, NETSCo. Choice […]

The BWMS Code has specific requirements for BWMS testing, test reporting, type approval certificates, and control and monitoring. All BWMS installed onboard ships on or after 28 October 2020 will need to be approved in accordance with the BWMS Code (IMO Resolution MEPC.300(72).  The BWMS Code revokes the existing 2016 Guidelines (MEPC.279(70)) and previous guidelines […]

The USCG has issued its 34th Ballast Water Management System Type Approval to the Kuraray Microfade II BWTS. The treatment principle of the Kuraray MICROFADE II Ballast Water Treatment System consists of filtration with chemical injection treatment at uptake and neutralization during discharge. This approval covers six models with maximum treatment rated capacities between 250 m3/h and 2,000 […]

All BWMS installed onboard ships on or after 28 October, 2020 will need to be approved for use in accordance with the BWMS Code or 2016 Guidelines (New G8). It is in the shipowner’s best interests to find out how this might affect them. Removal or replacement of the BWMS installed before enforcement of the […]

Craig Jallal, Editor at Riviera Maritime Media asks the question, “Do OSVs [offshore vessels] require ballast water treatment systems?” Jallal answers this question in a recently published article for OSV magazine: “It is a frequently asked question, especially where the vessel only operates in the same area. While offshore vessels are unlikely to discharge as […]

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has voted to investigate a complaint from the Lake Carriers Association (LCA) that claims the proposed Transport Canada (an agency of the Government of Canada) ballast water regulations will discriminate against US flag vessel operators. In the petition, LCA alleges that Transport Canada has proposed regulations that would require their […]

The US Coast Guard (USCG) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.  The Coast Guard proposed to expand its regulations on vessel financial responsibility to apply to all tank vessels great than 100 gross tons and to make other amendments that clarify and update reporting requirements, reflect current practice and remove unnecessary regulations. The proposed rule […]

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has recently issued a Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) Type Approval Certificate to Miura Co., Ltd, Techcross, and Semb-Eco Pte, Ltd. Miura Co., Ltd., HK-(E)R Treatment technology: Filtration/Ultraviolet USCG Type Approval Certificate Country: Japan Techcross, ECS-HYCHLOR Treatment technology: Filtration/Electrochlorination USCG Type Approval Certificate Country: Korea Semb-Eco Pte Ltd., LUV […]

Debra DiCianna, senior compliance engineer at Choice Ballast Solutions was part of an expert panel along with Kevin J Reynolds, Glostens’ director of research & development at the Riviera Maritime Media Ballast Water Webinar Week. The webinar was titled, Alternatives to shipboard ballast water treatment systems. Ms DiCianna discussed two subjects on the topic. The […]

On April 9, 2020, the USCG published MSIB 14-20 “COVID-19: Ballast Water Management (BWM) Extensions” due to disruptions in the supply chain and workforce due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The USCG has developed guidance based on the length of time needed for the extensions. Extensions requests up to 12 months – Applications will need to […]

The U.S. Coast Guard issued its 26th Ballast Water Management System Type Approval Certificate to BAWAT A/S. The treatment technology of the BAWAT BWMS MK2 consists of heat treatment during ballasting, de-ballasting, or internal transfers. This approval covers models with maximum intake treatment rated capacities between 50 m3/h and 5,000 m3/h. A complete list of […]

The sub-committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPRC) met from February 17 – 21, 2020 and agreed on revised guidance on commissioning testing of ballast water management systems (BWMS). An amendment to regulation E-1 of the BWM Convention, which is expected to be adopted by MEPC 75, mandates the commissioning testing of BWMS. The Sub-Committee […]

  Transport Canada (TC) seeks to further reduce the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species by vessels by amending their Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations. TC proposes to apply the regulations to domestic and foreign vessels, including those operating in the Great Lakes Basin (i.e. upstream of St. Lambert lock). In the case […]

“The end of US Coast Guard’s Alternate Management System (AMS) program for ballast water discharges means owners whose systems are not USCG Type Approved should seek an extension or risk losing the ability to trade in US waters.” “Extensions to the AMS acceptance period, reviewed on a case-by-case basis, could give shipowners permission to continue […]

Choice Ballast Solutions (Choice), a sister company of Northeast Technical Services Co., Inc (NETSCo), is excited to announce a company-wide restructuring to more accurately reflect the relationship between the two companies and better serve the maritime industry. In 2013, Choice was formed with the singular focus of bringing superior project management and compliance consulting to […]

  Currently, 58 Makers have submitted a Letter of Intent, with 30 applications in process and 21 have been issued Type Approval Certificates. “There is no set timeline for issuing a type approval certificate,” Baldassini reminded conference attendees. “The type approval timeline begins once MSC receives a complete application, as defined in the regulations, and […]

On July 31, 2019, the USCG published the long-awaited draft policy paper on Acceptance of Type Approval Testing Protocols for Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS) that Render Organisms in Ballast Water Nonviable. The policy paper describes the standard and the process for acceptance and use of new protocols. The “Instructions for Submitting Testing Protocols” outlines […]