Tag: BWMS

In its PSC Annual Report for 2017, USCG revealed an annual detention rate of 0.99%, the lowest ever in the US, unveiling however an increase in detentions related to fire fighting and MARPOL Annex I deficiencies. The report also informed that deficiencies related to BWM compliance significantly increased in this period.

On April 9, 2018, the US Coast Guard Marine Safety Center received its 13th application for Ballast Water Management System type approval for the Aquarius EC system, manufactured by Wärtsilä Water Systems Ltd. Until today, USCG has received 12 applications for BWMS Type Approval, while 6 manufacturers have received the final Certificate.

During his presentation at the last GREEN4SEA Conference, Mr. Antony Vourdachas, ABS, referred to the latest regulatory updates, including those related to air emissions as well. Presenting a regulation timetable from the top (2021), he attempted to clarify the regulatory landscape facing ship operators and owner.

During his presentation at the last GREEN4SEA Conference, Mr. Juha Kiukas, Sales Director, Trojan Marinex, noted that ballast water testing is expensive and time consuming and consolidation in BWTS market will accelerate. He referred to recent USCG policy letter regarding inoperable systems and clarified that lack of consumables does not meet the ”stops of operating properly” clause and also ships with inoperable BWT system due to BWT system makers bankruptcy and non-availability of spare parts or chemicals will not receive special consideration.

JFE Engineering Corporation and Panasia Co are the latest two BWMS manufacturers who filed in late March type approval applications to USCG Marine Safety Center. Until today, USCG has received 12 applications for BWMS Type Approval, while 6 manufacturers have received the final Certificate which acknowledges full compliance with the USCG requirements.

Intertanko created a new procedure for port-states' response whenever a tanker’s BWMS is not operating correctly, and is about to submit this new procedure to IMO. Namely, it concluded to 9 contingency measures. These include, amongst others, fixing the BWMS at the ballast loading port, fixing the system while heading to the port, conducting a ballast water exchange while in ocean, or retain ballast water onboard.

The Wärtsilä Aquarius EC BWMS uses proven filtration and electro-chlorination technology. It complies with regulations, and focuses on safety in the design, analyzing hazard to eliminate installation and operational risks. Wärtsilä received type approval from IMO in 2013 for the Electro-Chlorination system and the same design was used for the USCG application.

The Japan P&I Club has been informed of problems regarding ballast water inspections by the ecological inspectors in Ukraine, drawing attention to the current local legislation which does not have an approved Procedure and Order of calculation of damages caused by pollution from maritime vessels.

The 2018 GREEN4SEA Conference successfully concluded on Wednesday 7th of March, at the Lighthouse at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, attracting 750 delegates from 20 countries representing a total of 350 organizations. The event brought together global experts who focused on the recent and future challenges towards a more sustainable shipping industry. 

The US Coast Guard Marine Safety Center received its ninth application for Ballast Water Management System type approval for the BALPURE Ballast Water Management System manufactured by De Nora Water Technologies.