Illegal Ballast Discharges Continue – Shore-Based Treatment Offers a Proven Solution

27 May 2025

Since its entry into force in 2017, the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM Convention) was meant to halt the spread of invasive aquatic species and pathogens. But today – nearly eight years on – serious concerns remain about its effectiveness.

At Bawat, we work closely with shipowners, yards, and authorities. And from this front-row position, we see two key issues repeatedly undermining the Convention’s goals:

1. Many onboard systems are not working

Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS) are widely installed but frequently fail in real-world conditions – especially in challenging waters with high turbidity or sediment.

This isn’t just a technical issue. It’s an environmental risk – and a growing regulatory problem.

Facts: Non-Compliant Reality

• Over 100,000 ships are subject to the BWM Convention.
• It is estimated that 30–50% of BWMS installations fail to meet the D-2 standard in practice.
• According to industry reports, thousands of vessels continue to discharge untreated or improperly treated ballast water due to malfunctioning or absent systems.
• A 2024 study revealed that nearly 1 in 2 ships would likely fail compliance testing under real operating conditions.

2. Enforcement and guidance are out of sync

The effectiveness of the BWM Convention is further hindered by inconsistent enforcement and outdated guidance. For example, some authorities still reference ballast water exchange zones in the North Sea, despite this method becoming non-compliant globally as of 8 September 2024. This creates unnecessary confusion and allows non-compliance to persist.

Authorities face a tough challenge: tens of thousands of vessels, rigs, and barges – many of which may be operating without functioning treatment systems or any system at all. Illegal discharges are happening. And without clear alternatives, enforcement is limited.

But there is an alternative: Shore-based treatment facilities

Shore-based ballast water reception facilities are already recognised by the Convention – and they’re operational in the Netherlands, the United States, Germany, and Denmark.

At Bawat, we operate and support shore-based systems that are ready to receive ballast water today, helping ships remain compliant and ports uphold environmental standards.

It’s time:

- To recognise that many ships are still non-compliant

- For Port State Control authorities to engage and utilise available shore-based solutions

- To support wider use of reception facilities as a practical, proven alternative

We urge maritime authorities, shipowners, and stakeholders to act now – for the sake of the environment, regulatory clarity, and the credibility of the Convention itself.

Together, we can bring attention to this growing issue – and the solution that already exists.

Interested in learning more about our shore-based ballast water management solutions? contact us at info@bawat.com