Safeguarding marine ecosystems through responsible ballast water treatment, supporting SDG 14.
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” Our goal in developing a ballast water management system is to protect biodiversity by preventing invasive species from entering oceans and harbours as vessels travel. “
We also aim to do this sustainably by using waste heat from the vessels’ engines.
Since the introduction of steel-hulled vessels, sea water has been used as ballast to stabilize them. Ballast water is therefore essential for safe and efficient ship operations.
However, ballast water contains a wide range of marine species, including bacteria, microbes, small invertebrates, eggs, cysts and larvae. When released into new environments, these species may survive, reproduce and become invasive, out-competing native species and causing ecological, economic and health problems.
The problem is largely due to the expanded trade and traffic volume over the last few decades. The spread of invasive species is now recognized as one of the greatest threats to the ecological and the economic well-being of the planet.
Save the oceans
Bawat’s sustainable development goals
International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been at the front of the international effort by taking the lead in addressing the transfer of invasive aquatic species through shipping.
The Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention was adopted by consensus at a Diplomatic Conference held at IMO Headquarters in London on 13 February 2004.
The D2 standard under the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) officially came into full effect on September 8, 2024, marking a critical milestone for the maritime industry.
This enforcement requires all ships to meet the D2 standard, which regulates the discharge of ballast water to minimize the spread of invasive aquatic species.
The transition from the D1 standard (ballast water exchange) to D2 (ballast water treatment) ensures that ballast water discharged into the ocean meets strict biological standards, reducing ecological harm. All vessels, whether newly built or retrofitted, must have a type-approved Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) installed to comply with these regulations.
The D2 standard aims to safeguard marine ecosystems by significantly limiting the number of viable organisms in ballast water discharge. This shift highlights the IMO’s commitment to protecting global marine biodiversity and supporting sustainable shipping practices.
Bawat has a D2 type-approved BWMS, designed to help shipowners, yard owners and ports meet these critical requirements.
Bawat’s Sustainable Development Goals
Furthermore the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by the world’s heads of state and government at the UN summit in New York on 25 September 2015. They marked an ambitious and transformative development agenda. The goals came into force on 1 January 2016 and aim to guide the world toward more sustainable development for both people and the planet by 2030. The 17 goals and 169 sub-goals remain the most comprehensive global agenda to date.
For Bawat, the UN’s World Goals naturally align with our core mission. We want to contribute to a sustainable future and help protect the planet for coming generations. Especially Goal 14: LIFE BELOW WATER – protecting seas and oceans from ballast water has been central to Bawat’s work since 2011.