Case stories

The challenge

As a returning customer, A2B Online – once again partnered with Bawat BaaS – Ballast as a Service during a shipyard stay in Belgium. While many vessels are avoiding addressing ballast water treatment during yard stays, A2B Online had a clear focus on environmental responsibility and wanted to ensure that all ballast water was handled correctly and in full compliance. During the yard stay, 1,500 m³ of ballast water had to be discharged before unplugging and continuing operations, creating a clear requirement for a compliant and practical treatment solution within a shipyard environment.

The solution

A2B Online ordered Bawat BaaS to ensure all ballast water was treated prior to discharge. Bawat mobilised its Mobile Land-Based Reception Facility, which was easily loaded on board the vessel and connected directly to the vessel’s ballast system. Normally the unit is placed on the quay next to the ship but in this case the mobile unit was lifted onboard the ship. That just shows how flexible the Bawat BaaS solution are.

The flexible setup allowed ballast water treatment to be carried out smoothly within the shipyard, accommodating local regulations, berthing movements, and operational constraints without the need for a permanent onboard installation.

The outcome

Using Bawat BaaS, the required ballast water treatment was completed efficiently and in full compliance, allowing the vessel to proceed without delays and taking care of the environment. The service-based solution integrated seamlessly into the shipyard operation and provided the flexibility needed to manage discharge safely and responsibly.

As a returning customer, A2B Online once again relied on Bawat to deliver a solution that matched both operational needs and environmental standards. The collaboration reinforced a trusted partnership built on flexibility, speed, and proven delivery, as well as a shared commitment to responsible ballast water management.

“From planning to execution, the collaboration with Bawat was smooth and professional. Their flexible setup fitted our situation perfectly and allowed us to handle ballast water treatment in the yard without complications. We value the partnership and the way Bawat delivers every time.”
— Remko, A2B Online

The challenge:

A vessel operating in Germany was required to take onboard extremely muddy river water, creating particularly challenging ballast water conditions. Due to the high sediment content, the onboard ballast water management system (BWMS) was bypassed, and the vessel proceeded to Port of Gdynia, Poland, carrying untreated ballast water.

In addition to the challenging water quality, freezing winter temperatures in the Baltic region added further operational complexity. Treating ballast water under these conditions required a flexible and robust solution capable of handling:

• Extremely muddy river water with high sediment levels
• Conditions where conventional systems may struggle to operate
• Freezing temperatures and harsh winter environment
• Operational constraints within the vessel’s port stay

A reliable contingency solution was therefore required to ensure compliance before discharge.

The solution:

Bawat mobilized its Ballast as a Service (BaaS) solution to Port of Gdynia in Poland. Designed to handle challenging water quality without filters or UV, the Bawat system – just using heat – was well suited to treat the sediment-heavy ballast water, even under cold weather conditions.

Working in close cooperation with the vessel and port stakeholders, Bawat carried out the treatment ensuring the vessel achieved full compliance with IMO Ballast Water Convention D-2 standards.

The outcome:

• Treatment of extremely muddy river water
• BWMS bypass contingency resolved
• Flexible and responsive mobilization
• Full compliance with IMO D-2 standards

This case highlights how Bawat Ballast as a Service supports vessels facing challenging water quality, ensuring compliance even when onboard systems cannot be used.

The challenge:

As part of their dry dock maintenance planning, Royal Arctic Line prepared two vessels for return to Greenland following scheduled yard stays in Denmark. Both vessels required ballast water treatment on arrival and prior to departure to ensure compliance and support responsible operations in sensitive Arctic waters.

Already two months in advance, Royal Arctic Line contacted Bawat to plan the operation. As neither vessel had an onboard ballast water treatment system installed, a planned, reliable and compliant solution was needed before returning to Greenland.

The assignment was operationally important supporting both regulatory compliance and Royal Arctic Line’s governance and environmental commitments.

The solution:

Bawat BaaS – Ballast as a Service supported both vessels in Port of Skagen with efficient, planned ballast water treatment at arrival and prior to departure.

With early coordination and clear planning, the operations were carried out smoothly and within the vessels’ schedules. The treatment ensured full compliance without operational disruption.

The assignment also highlighted the value of planned contingency support, particularly for vessels operating in remote regions such as Greenland, where flexibility and reliability are essential.

The outcome:

• Planned mobilization in Port of Skagen
• Smooth and efficient execution
• No operational disruption
• Full regulatory compliance
• Support for governance and environmental commitments
• Strong collaboration throughout

This case demonstrates Royal Arctic Line’s proactive approach to planned dry dock operations and environmental responsibility. By addressing ballast water compliance already during the planning phase, the vessels were able to return to service fully compliant and ready for operations even without onboard treatment systems installed.

At the same time, the assignment highlights how Bawat BaaS supports customers with strong ESG and environmental commitments, providing flexible and reliable ballast water treatment that helps protect sensitive waters such as those around Greenland.

The challenge:
A vessel in Sweden had 9,000 m3 of non-compliant ballast water. Its onboard BWMS malfunctioned, leading the Swedish Transport Agency to withhold the vessel in port.

The solution:
Rapid response:

• Vessel contacted Bawat Friday afternoon
• Bawat BaaS mobile, land-based reception facility deployed Saturday morning
• Ballast water treated on site, restoring full compliance

The outcome:

• Vessel returned to compliance with minimal delay
• Demonstrated Bawat BaaS reliability and flexibility
• Authorities taking decisive action to protect marine environments.

The challenge:
A large LNG carrier in Northern Europe faced a critical ballast water compliance challenge when its onboard BWTS could not handle low-salinity river water. With operations ongoing and IMO D-2 compliance at risk, the vessel required a fast, reliable, and sustainable ballast water treatment solution.

The solution:
Bawat deployed its Ballast as a Service (BaaS) – a mobile, containerized ballast water management system (BWMS) that can be mobilized to any port or shipyard at short notice. In a 24-hour, non-stop operation across 5 days, the Bawat team both treated and delivered more than 30,000 tonnes of ballast water directly back to the vessel, ensuring full compliance under demanding real-world conditions.

The outcome:

• Effective treatment in all water qualities – independent of salinity, turbidity, and river conditions
• Mobile and flexible – rapid deployment to Northern European ports and global shipyards
• Dual capability – treating and delivering ballast water when onboard systems fail.

“ This BaaS job demonstrates the flexibility of Bawat’s technology – capable of acting as both a treatment and delivery solution when vessels need it most. ” – Bawat

This LNG carrier’s experience highlights how Bawat BaaS provides shipowners and operators with a cost-effective, flexible, and reliable ballast water compliance backup, ensuring smooth operations and healthy oceans when onboard systems fall short.

The challenge:
In spring 2025, a vessel arriving at a Northern European port faced a compliance challenge when its onboard BWTS could not treat previously loaded ballast water. With operations at risk, the ship needed an immediate and effective ballast water treatment solution.

The solution:
Bawat’s Ballast-as-a-Service (BaaS) mobile reception facility was mobilised within 24 hours. Over just two days, the Bawat team successfully treated more than 11,000 m³ of ballast water, enabling the vessel to continue operations with minimal delay and full compliance.

The outcome:

• Rapid response – deployment within 24 hours
• Proven capacity – 11,000 m³ treated in 2 days
• Minimal operational disruption – vessel back on schedule

“ The team responded quickly and professionally. It was a complex situation handled smoothly. Communication and execution were excellent. ” – Fleet Superintendent

This case demonstrates how Bawat BaaS provides shipowners with a professional, fast, and reliable compliance backup — ensuring ballast water emergencies are solved efficiently in ports across Northern Europe and worldwide.

The challenge:
In Rostock, Germany, Bawat BaaS faced one of its most demanding projects to date. A bulk carrier’s onboard ballast water treatment system had malfunctioned, leaving 8,200 m³ of ballast water untreated. The challenge was made even greater by muddy, highly turbid waters, which rendered the vessel’s UV-based system ineffective and put compliance at serious risk.

The solution:
Bawat deployed its Ballast as a Service (BaaS) mobile solution, based on heat treatment technology. Unlike UV or filtration systems, the Bawat BWMS is independent of water quality, ensuring reliable treatment even under extreme port conditions. The Bawat team completed the job efficiently and on schedule, restoring compliance for the vessel.

The outcome:

• 8,200 m³ of ballast water treated despite adverse conditions
• Independent of salinity and turbidity – reliable in all water qualities
• Compliance secured quickly and efficiently in a critical port call

This project demonstrates how Bawat BaaS provides shipowners with a fast, flexible, and proven compliance backup, making it the preferred choice for challenging port environments.

Bawat BaaS – Ballast as a Service reached a new milestone at the end of 2024 with its first shipyard assignment at Ørskov Yard, Denmark.

The challenge:
A fishing inspection vessel required the help from Bawat BaaS – Ballast as a Service before dry-docking as it had no BWMS installed, and the shipyard relied on Bawat’s expertise to handle the ballast water treatment task efficiently.

The solution:
The Bawat BaaS system was seamlessly mobilized and set up at the yard, treating the vessels remaining ballast water in the ballast tanks while in drydock This operation not only ensured compliance with environmental regulations but also demonstrated Bawat’s ability to integrate with shipyard workflows.

The outcome:
This successful project underscored the reliability and adaptability of Bawat’s heat-based technology, paving the way for future shipyard collaborations. It also highlights the environmental awareness of Ørskov Yard and its ability to adapt to the September 2024 ballast water convention deadline.

The challenge:
When a vessel in Holland headed for dry dock with sealed ballast tanks, the ballast water required treatment. Bawat supplied a containerized Bawat system to be deployed onboard the vessel to treat 4,000 m³ of ballast water.

The solution:
This operation demonstrated the flexibility of Bawat’s on demand technology, capable of adapting to both port-based and mobile applications. The treatment process was completed efficiently, meeting all compliance standards and customer expectations.

The outcome:
This project highlighted the versatility of Bawat BaaS, providing a tailored solution for the dutch clientwhile showcasing the benefits of containerized treatment systems in maritime operations.

The challenge:
A vessel faced a critical compliance issue docking at Bremen Port. Despite having an onboard ballast water treatment system, it was unable to deballast in line with IMO discharge standards. The vessel risked either leaving the port to perform a costly ballast water exchange beyond 200 nautical miles* or find a company that could treat the water for them. Furthermore, the situation restricted the vessel’s ability to load new cargo, compounding operational delays and financial losses.

Note: *This occurred before 8th September 2024. Under current regulations, ballast water exchange is no longer permitted.

The solution:
The vessel owner contacted Bawat’s German agent I.Jansen GmbH to get Bawat BaaS – Ballast as a Service to address the urgent compliance issue. Demonstrating exceptional logistical efficiency, the team mobilized a containerized Mobile Ballast Water Management System (Mobile BWMS) from Denmark to Bremen within just 24 hours.

Once on-site, the system was installed and operational, allowing compliant deballasting to commence immediately.

The outcome:
The vessel successfully discharged its ballast water, meeting all regulatory requirements while avoiding a costly detour and extended downtime.

The challenge:
The Port of Hamburg, one of Europe’s busiest and most important ports, faced challenges with vessels not meeting the IMO ballast water discharge requirements, due to reasons like malfunctioning onboard ballast water treatment systems (BWTS).

Vessels docking in the Port of Hamburg faced huge penalties and operational delays.

Port of Hamburg needed a reliable, on-demand solution to support vessels in achieving compliance without causing operational disruptions.

The solution:
Bawat introduced its BaaS – Ballast as a Service solution to the Port of Hamburg. The Authority for Environment, Climate, Energy, and Agriculture (BUKEA) became the first European authority to issue a discharge permit for mobile ballast water reception, treatment, and discharge, enabling Bawat BaaS to operate within the port.

Bawat partnered with Jongen GmbH, a local expert in vessel waste management, to establish a permanent mobile on-demand ballast water reception facility in Hamburg.

The outcome:
The Port of Hamburg now benefits from:

• On-demand treatment to meet discharge standards.
• Preventing invasive species discharge.
• Reducing delays and costly offshore exchanges.

Bawat BaaS delivers a reliable and flexible solution to ensure smooth operations and environmental sustainability.

The challenge:
During the Femern Link project, a vessel arriving at Rødby Havn, Denmark, carried untreated ballast water originating from Belgium. Ensuring ballast water compliance was vital to prevent the spread of invasive species and adhere to international IMO D2 discharge standards. With strict environmental protocols in place, the Femern Link contractors required a rapid, on-site solution to treat the ballast water efficiently without delaying the project timeline.

The solution:
The contractors turned to Bawat BaaS for a reliable, mobile ballast water treatment solution (BWTS). With minimal planning and fast mobilization, Bawat transported one of its containerized Mobile Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS) to Rødby Havn. The system uses innovative, filterless, and chemical-free pasteurization technology to treat ballast water directly on-site, ensuring full compliance with IMO D2 discharge standards while minimizing environmental impact.

The outcome:
Bawat BaaS delivered seamless ballast water treatment for the Femern Link project, achieving:

• On-demand, IMO-compliant ballast water treatment.
• Effective prevention of invasive species discharge
• The service was performed seamlessly, ensuring no delays in the Femern Link project timeline.