Eco Cleaning Technologies | ECT

The convention initially required ships to conduct ballast water exchange at sea, which involves replacing ballast water taken on in one location with open ocean water. This helps reduce the concentration of organisms in the ballast tanks. However, this method has limitations, and the convention was eventually revised to emphasize more effective treatment methods.

The revised convention introduced the D-2 standard, which requires ships to treat their ballast water to specific standards before discharge. Treatment methods must be approved by the IMO and should significantly reduce the number of viable organisms in the ballast water. Common treatment technologies include ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, chemical disinfection, and filtration.

Treatment systems used to comply with the D-2 standard must undergo a type approval process to ensure their effectiveness and safety. The type approval process assesses the system's performance under different conditions and confirms that it meets the required standards.

The convention's requirements have been phased in over time based on the ship's construction date. New ships constructed after September 8, 2017, were required to comply with the D-2 standard upon delivery. Existing ships have a phase-in schedule depending on their International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) certificate renewal dates.

Ships subject to the convention must have a Ballast Water Management Plan in place. This plan outlines the procedures for ballast water exchange or treatment, taking into consideration the ship's specific characteristics and operational conditions.

ECT Ballast water sampling and testing services:

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established the Ballast Water Management Convention, which sets out the requirements and regulations for the management of ballast water and sediments to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species. The convention aims to minimize the transfer of harmful organisms and pathogens via ballast water, thereby reducing the ecological and economic impacts of such introductions.

Here are some key points regarding ballast water requirements according to the IMO:

• D-1 Standard - Ballast Water Exchange:** The convention initially required ships to conduct ballast water exchange at sea, which involves replacing ballast water taken on in one location with open ocean water. This helps reduce the concentration of organisms in the ballast tanks. However, this method has limitations, and the convention was eventually revised to emphasize more effective treatment methods.

• D-2 Standard - Ballast Water Treatment:** The revised convention introduced the D-2 standard, which requires ships to treat their ballast water to specific standards before discharge. Treatment methods must be approved by the IMO and should significantly reduce the number of viable organisms in the ballast water. Common treatment technologies include ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, chemical disinfection, and filtration.

• Type Approval:** Treatment systems used to comply with the D-2 standard must undergo a type approval process to ensure their effectiveness and safety. The type approval process assesses the system's performance under different conditions and confirms that it meets the required standards.

• Implementation Schedule:** The convention's requirements have been phased in over time based on the ship's construction date. New ships constructed after September 8, 2017, were required to comply with the D-2 standard upon delivery. Existing ships have a phase-in schedule depending on their International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) certificate renewal dates.

• Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP):** Ships subject to the convention must have a Ballast Water Management Plan in place. This plan outlines the procedures for ballast water exchange or treatment, taking into consideration the ship's specific characteristics and operational conditions.

• Port State Control and Compliance:** Port State Control authorities have the responsibility to verify a ship's compliance with the convention's requirements. Ships that fail to meet the standards may face penalties, detention, or even bans from entering certain ports.

The convention also addresses the management of ballast tank sediments, as they can contain viable organisms and pathogens. Ships are required to have procedures for the removal and proper disposal of sediment.