What is ballast water?
Cruise ships, large tankers, and bulk cargo carriers handle vast amounts of ballast water, typically taken from coastal waters after unloading cargo and later discharged at their next port of call, wherever more cargo is loaded. This ballast water often contains biological materials, including plants, animals, viruses, and bacteria, many of which are invasive species. Such discharges can harm aquatic ecosystems and disrupt local economies.
To react to the growing concerns about environmental impact of ballast water discharge, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted in 2004 the "International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments" to control the environmental damage from ballast water.
The IMO convention was ratified by enough countries and entered into force on September 8, 2017.
To address these risks, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) now fully enforces the D2 ballast water discharge standards as of September 8, 2024. These standards require ships to:
- Install a Ballast Water Management System (BWMS): BWMS must limit the number of viable organisms in ballast water discharge.
- Transition from D1 to D2 Standards: Ships using the D1 method (ballast water exchange) are no longer compliant unless retrofitted with a D2-compliant BWMS.
- Adopt Electronic Record-Keeping: From October 2025, electronic ballast water record books will be mandatory, streamlining compliance documentation.
Key Guidelines Under D2 Standards
- Mitigating Environmental Risks: Ships must treat ballast water to neutralize harmful organisms before discharge.
- Monitoring and Certification: Ships must maintain valid International Ballast Water Management Certificates and adhere to detailed management plans.
To learn more or ensure compliance, explore Bawat's innovative ballast water treatment solutions tailored to meet the D2 requirements efficiently.
Read more about Bawat's Ballast Water Management System solutions: