Tag: BWMS

The LISW event kicked off with a round-up of the latest BWM updates during INTERANKO's seminar in which Tim Wilkins, Environment Director, provided a summary of how the entry into force of IMO’s landmark convention will impact the tanker industry.

The shipping industry is only three days apart from the Ballast Water Management Convention entering into force on 8 September. That being said, some Administrations have issued circulars to inform their position on recoupling the IOPP Certificate Renewal Survey.

With the Ballast Water Management Convention entering into force on 8 September, DNV GL reminds operators of a few last-minute but important issues. By 8 September, all vessels subject to the convention must be in compliance with the D-1 (exchange standard). 

The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator has published a marine notice, to provide updated guidance for complying with ballast water management requirements. The document addresses nuances in the BWM Convention, as well as requirements imposed by coastal States, including US.

The US Coast Guard issued a $5,000 fine to the owners of a foreign freight vessel, for unauthorized ballast water discharge into the Willamette River in Portland, after a routine port state control ballast water examination, on August 16.

Dr. Frank Stuer-Lauridsen, CEO of Ballast Water Monitoring A/S, comments on MEPC 71 decisions regarding the BWM Convention and what they do mean for both the vendors and the shipowners.  The shipowners are relieved with the extension of two years whereas the developers and suppliers of equipment are not, Dr. Stuer-Lauridsen notes and he adds that the extension will certainly impact competition by recognizing 5-6 leaders in the market and up to 20 systems eventually. However, he is worried about the winners as they may not necessarily represent the best or the most agile technology.

ABS published a report providing insights into how industry is progressing with ballast water management systems. Based on input provided by owners and operators with BWM systems on board their vessels, the report covers a range of topics, including installation, commissioning and operations of BWM systems.

The US Coast Guard announced that an updated Ballast Water Management Program guidance is available on its public Homeport internet portal. Additionally, a revised Frequently Asked Questions document combines and updates a collection of previous FAQs.

California State Lands Commission noted that vessels arriving at a California port must have an alternative, environmentally sound method of ballast water management that has been approved by the Commission or the USCG, as being at least as effective as ballast water exchange.

The Liberian Maritime Administration has welcomed an agreement reached by the IMO MEPC on an implementation schedule for the Ballast Water Management Convention, as this broadly incorporates the terms of an amendment initially proposed by Liberia.