Tag: BWMS

The Ballast Water Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (BEMA) highlights the need to address the issue of BWMS operation in ports with challenging waters. On the occasion of MEPC 76 last year, BEMA issued a position paper to discuss related challenges for consideration.

The US Coast Guard Marine Safety Center issued the 48th USCG BWMS Type Approval Certificate to Atlantium Technologies  after a detailed review of the manufacturer’s type approval application determined the system met the requirements of 46 CFR 162.060.

Transport Canada has issued updated guidance on submitting Ballast Water Reporting Forms (BWRF). The bulletin applies to any vessel that is subject to the Ballast Water Regulations and bound for a port, offshore terminal or anchorage in Canada. 

USCG’s Office of Operating and Environmental Standards (CG-OES) has released a policy letter describing the process for submitting viability testing methods to the Coast Guard and explains the information needed to evaluate a testing method. 

The Ballastwater Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (BEMA) announced that they have been granted Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Consultative Status by IMO. This designation will allow BEMA to attend IMO meetings and contribute to the work of the IMO by submitting technical input and providing specialized operational and technical expertise on BWMS.

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 US Coast Guard Marine Safety Center issued the 46th USCG BWMS Type Approval Certificate to RWO GmbH after a detailed review of the manufacturer’s type approval application determined the system met the requirements of 46 CFR 162.060.

California has introduced a new at-berth emission regulation that aims to further reduce the public’s exposure to air pollution generated by vessels berthed at its busiest ports, and greatly enhanced the criminal penalties for oil spill related offences in its waters.

The implementation timeline for the implementation of certain components of the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act will be significantly delayed.

Transport Canada shared a bulletin providing general information about the new Ballast Water Regulations which came into force on 3 June 2021. The regulations apply to Canadian vessels everywhere and to foreign vessels that are in waters under Canadian jurisdiction.