Since 8th September 2024, all ships to which the BWM Convention applies, have had to comply with the Convention's ballast water discharge standard (D-2). For most ships, this has involved installing and operating a BWMS on board. This comprehensive, two-volume publication provides up-to-date guidance on BWM regulations, operations (including port State control (PSC) requirements) and equipment options. It is a valuable, single-point source of information for ship owners and operators.
In Volume 1, the publication looks in detail at the various treatment systems and technologies, significant components and the implications for onboard operation, maintenance and contingency measures. With the end of the installation window for fitting a BWMS to existing ships, there is a shift from retrofitting to installing on newbuilds and fulfilling maintenance contracts. However, retrofit experience remains an important consideration as there will also be a growing market for fully or partly replacing older (legacy) BWMS or systems that are not operating properly.
Now the BWM Convention has been fully in force for a year, there is an increase in PSC BWM inspection activity leading up to the end of the experience building phase (EBP) for the Convention in Autumn 2026. These PSC inspections aim to facilitate compliance by identifying deficiencies early and ensuring that ships are meeting the mandatory requirements of the Convention. There is particular emphasis on the D-2 performance standard, the provision of correct and accurate documentation for inspection and support for crew operating the systems on board.
Volume 2 provides an extensive set of data sheets on BWMS that have been type approved through the BWM Convention testing procedures. These summarise the treatment technology, type approval certification and system design limitations (SDL), so that ship owners can evaluate different systems and make an informed decision before purchasing. It is particularly important to know the SDL of a BWMS since these are the conditions and parameters under which the system is approved to operate.
The Appendices contain an updated list of IMO Guidance Documents for the BWM Convention (updated to MEPC 83). They also describe key invasive species and illustrate native and invasive geographic ranges.