Tag: BW sampling

During MEPC 74 back in 2019, IMO approved a draft amendment to the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) to conduct commissioning testing so as to demonstrate through representative sampling and indicative analysis that a BWMS is working properly. According to this amendment, approved in MEPC 75, sampling and analysis should be conducted at commissioning testing for BWMS installed on board ships on or after 1 June 2022.

The Coast Guard’s Office of Operating and Environmental Standards issued a Policy Letter informing about the testing and validation of alternate components requested to be used with a type-approved Ballast Water Management System (BWMS).

Ballast water sampling in Ukraine has experienced many changes and updates through the years, with the last update informing that the ‘State Ecological Inspection for Protection of the Black Sea’ is closing down.

According to marine insurance provider Gard, Ukraine announced some changes at the ballast water regulations in its ports. The control of segregated ballast in Ukrainian ports has been cancelled and ecological inspectors are no longer permitted to inspect vessels for the purposes of 'ecological control', including taking and analyzing samples of ballast water.

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea has developed standard operating procedures for the sample collection of treated ballast water sampling for use by scientific researchers. A link to sampling SOPs will be inserted in the data gathering and analysis plan for the experience-building phase associated with the Convention.

The London P&I Club informs that its Correspondent in Ukraine, Dias Marine Consulting, reported that there have been recent attempts by Ukrainian ecological inspectors to board vessels and collect samples of ballast water for testing.

Dr. Brian Phillips, Chelsea Technologies Group, explains how Saudi Arabia is driving forward with enforcing ballast water regulations and discloses details about their cooperation with Saudi Aramco. Dr Phillips says that Saudi Aramco is currently working closely with national authorities to utilise Chelsea’s testing device as the national benchmark for ballast water sampling in quest of ensuring total compliance with BWM new regulations following MEPC 71.

IMO has adopted specific guidance for the conduct of a PSC inspection under the BWM Convention. Once the Convention becomes effective on 8th of September,2017 a trial period will be initiated where port State control can further trial the approaches in the IMO related circular to ensure they are practical and fit for purpose. Panasia has compiled a comprehensive guide to advise on the issues for consideration for compliance with the BWM Convention during a PSC inspection.

Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) announced a new initiative concerning all ships from international waters  at Saudi Aramco ports and terminals. From August 16, these vessels will be required to provide a ballast water sample and report.

Sea-Bird Scientific is advancing technology for the rapid viability assessment of phytoplankton, designed specifically for ballast water analysis. This technology could meet a widespread need for rapid assessments on an operational basis by organizations like Port State Control