Critical review of the IMO international convention on the management of ships’ ballast water and sediments

Harmful Algae ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 585-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Gollasch ◽  
Matej David ◽  
Matthias Voigt ◽  
Egil Dragsund ◽  
Chad Hewitt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Review ◽  
Ballast Water ◽  
International Convention

Design of a risk assessment methodology for the introduction of invasive species from ship ballast waters

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 474-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abderrahmane Bouda ◽  
Nour El Islam Bachari ◽  
Lylia Bahmed ◽  
Ryad Boubenia
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Invasive Species ◽  
Ballast Water ◽  
Quantitative Risk Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Convention ◽  
Environmental Similarity ◽  
Process Factors ◽  
Shipping Traffic ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – Ballast water of merchant ship is a source of introduction of invasive species around the globe. The purpose of this paper is to present a quantitative risk assessment applied to a model port, the Port of Arzew in Algeria, and based on an analysis of this port’s shipping traffic. Design/methodology/approach – The risk assessment for introduction of invasive species is interpreted in the form of a probabilistic process, with a combination of two probabilities. The first probability is related to the ability of a species to arrive to the destination (recipient port), depending on the quantity of water ballast discharged and the duration of voyage. The second one is based on the species ability to survive in their new environment, which depends on the environmental similarity between donor port and Arzew port. Findings – This assessment’s outcome consists on a classification of scenarios regarding their acceptability. Consequently, it helped to classify donor ports according to a risk scale, from low risk to high-risk donor ports. Research limitations/implications – The phenomenon of invasion of aquatic species is a complex process. Factors such as adaptation and tolerance of species, the attendance or absence of predators, were not taken into account in this study. Practical implications – This study could be used by the maritime administration as a decision-making tool regarding the issue of exemptions under the IMO International Convention on the Management of Ballast Water and Sediments 2004. Originality/value – This is one of the first known studies in Algeria and dealing with ballast water management. The results of this assessment provide useful information to policy makers, in order to develop a national strategy to reduce the impact of shipping pollution on the marine environment.

scholarly journals About the Results of Monitoring Researches of Ballast Waters and Data of Identification of the Vibrioes Strains Selected During the Ships Researches in Russian Seaports in 2018

2020 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-61
Author(s):  
S. Yu. Vodyanitskаyа ◽  
O. V. Sergienko ◽  
N. G. Ivanova ◽  
V. V. Balachnova ◽  
I. V. Arkhangelskаya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Russian Federation ◽  
Ballast Water ◽  
International Convention ◽  
International Standard ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Ballast Waters ◽  
Rostov Region ◽  
Intestinal Infections ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
First Time

Relevance. In September, 2017 the International Convention on Control of Ships’ Ballast Waters and sediments, in which the Russian Federation takes part, came into effect.Aim of article is to cover the results of implementation of the Convention in Russia, regarding selection and analysis of ballast waters tests for compliance with the international standard.Material and methods. The materials for work were data on ship arrivals at the international seaports of the Russian Federation, provided by sanitary and quarantine departments of the Russian ports, and monitoring researches of ballast waters in seaports of some regions of the Russian Federation. Analytical, bacteriological, molecular methods were applied.Results. The studies of ballast waters in the Leningrad and Kaliningrad regions have been conducted for the first time in 2018, and in the Rostov region the study lasts since 2010. The laboratory researches of ships’ ballast showed that E. coli, Enterococcus spp. were in norm, V. cholerae O1 and O139 in ballast were absent. 12 of 21 ballast water tests investigated by specialists of the Rostov region laboratories contained V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139, ballast was taken on the ships which arrived from Romania and Turkey.Сonclusion. The results of the molecular and genetic researches suggest that there is a probability of V. сholeraе introduction brougth with ship ballast. Management decisions are demanded to ensure biological safety of shipping and to decrease intestinal infections incidence in residents of the seaside cities.

scholarly journals Lessons Learned in Ballast Water Treatment Equipment Retrofit and Commissioning

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Fearnley
Keyword(s):  
Water Treatment ◽  
Ballast Water ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Water Treatment Plant ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
International Maritime Organization ◽  
International Convention ◽  
Ballast Water Treatment ◽  
Treatment Equipment ◽  
Control And Management

Ratification of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWMC)[i] has now forced the hand of operators and ship owners to comply with the BWM, and without a great deal of time to react. The need to integrate and operate Ballast Water Treatment (BWT) Systems on In-Service ships, however, is not new, and BMT have recent and relevant experience in end-to-end BWT system solutions. In 2011 BMT Defence Services Ltd (BMT) produced the installation specification to enable A and P Falmouth Ltd (A and P) to carry out a ballast water treatment plant retrofit installation on the RFA Bay Class ships (i.e. RFA MOUNTS BAY, LARGS BAY and CARDIGAN BAY), enabling the ship to be approved and operated in compliance with the BWMC. In addition, BMT produced documentation to enable A and P to arrange, manage and perform the necessary test, trials and commissioning to prove the equipment installation and that it can be operated in accordance with the requirements of the BWMC. The objective of this paper is to take the reader through the process of design and embodiment of a BWT system retrofit on a relatively complex (with respect to the ballast system) ship. The Bay Class ships are Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary) ships with separate forward and aft ballast systems (to allow the ships to function in their amphibious roles by way of their stern dock), and a ship wide Ballast Stripping system. Key design and engineering considerations are discussed below and recommendations for the installation of a ballast water treatment system are also offered. International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, International Maritime Organization, Adoption: 13 February 2004; Entry into force: 8 September 2017.

Research and Design of Ballast System for a Science Icebreaker

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Yong ◽  
Ma Jie
Keyword(s):  
Ballast Water ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Polar Region ◽  
Environment Pollution ◽  
International Convention ◽  
The Earth ◽  
The World ◽  
Ocean Environment ◽  
Control And Management ◽  
Research And Design

With the process of industry productions, the polar region which is the last maiden land for human being on the earth is confronted to the environment pollution increasingly. In accordance with the development of green shipbuilding technologies in the world, the ballast system of a science icebreaker should be researched and designed particularly because the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has developed international legislation, the International Convention for the Control and Management of ships’ ballast water and sediments, to regulate discharges of ballast water and reduce the risk of introducing non-native species from ships’ ballast water. Not only the scientific research icebreaker is ensured to work normally in the polar region, but also the weak ocean environment is protected.

scholarly journals Ballast water management for sustainable development – some remarks on Polish law

2018 ◽  
Vol 57 ◽  
pp. 01027
Author(s):  
Dorota Pyć
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Ballast Water ◽  
Regional Cooperation ◽  
Aquatic Organisms ◽  
Ecosystem Approach ◽  
International Convention ◽  
Environmental Threats ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Polish Law ◽  
Control And Management

The main aim of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) is to prevent, minimize and ultimately eliminate the risk of introducing harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP) transferred in ships’ ballast waters and sediments to non-native environment for them, mainly for waters in seaports and coastal waters. The BWM Convention entered into force globally on 8 September 2017. This convention is based on the precautionary principle and the ecosystem approach to achieving sustainable development goals. Effective protection and preservation of the maritime environment depends on the preventive and reasonable actions, especially in case of environmental threats or combating pollution. This means that it is necessary to react efficiently by relevant authorities and boost international and regional cooperation, as well as development of other instruments such as inspection and reporting systems. The purpose of this paper is to present the state of preparation to the implementation of the BWM Convention in connection with its ratification by Poland, which is planned for 2018.

scholarly journals Practical Difficulties of Sampling Ballast Tanks - What Lessons Can Be Learned?

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Evans ◽  
Emma Langley
Keyword(s):  
Ballast Water ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Time Windows ◽  
Aquatic Organisms ◽  
Small Time ◽  
Performance Standard ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Ballast Tank ◽  
International Convention ◽  
Ballast Tanks

The adoption of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWMC) in 2004 (herewith the Convention) has sought to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in the ballast water and sediments of ships, threatening marine ecosystems worldwide. The Convention sets out the various requirements and the various steps vessels owners / operators and port States need to undertake in order to effectively manage ballast water and sediments. However, there are still open issues and uncertainty, including the scientific and practical challenges of sampling of ballast tanks and monitoring compliance with the Convention’s standards. In order to monitor compliance with the Convention’s standards, documented management practices can be inspected for appropriateness and inspection of vessel log books can give an indication that practices have been implemented. However, sampling is the most effective way to ensure compliance with standards set out in the Convention. To check compliance with the D-1 (exchange) standard, vessel log books should be inspected and sampling can be used to check for anomalies in the composition of the ballast water (e.g. salinity). D-1 compliance is intended as an interim step until treatment systems are more widely available – although, some ports may require exchange as well as treatment in the long term. Compliance with the D-2 (performance) standard following treatment of the ballast water requires the sampling of biological, chemical and physical parameters. Whether checking compliance to the D-1 or D-2 standards, there are significant sampling challenges. These include the logistics of gaining vessel access; having multiple sample methods available to suit ballast tank access restrictions; getting a representative sample; sample analyses; sample interpretation and; what to do if a sample fails? In addition to this, local requirements can present further challenges (e.g. small time windows for bacterial analysis). This paper will highlight the difficulties of sampling ballast tanks in practice, drawing from national and international experiences, and will also comment more broadly on the sampling process and governance – such as regional differences and the role of port State control. Drawing on protocols adopted by other states will help to facilitate a more efficient, consistent and organised implementation of the Convention to the shipping community worldwide.

scholarly journals Risk assessment and exemption approval procedure for the semi-closed seas according to the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004

Pomorstvo ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-214
Author(s):  
Katarina Balić ◽  
Damir Zec
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Ballast Water ◽  
Adriatic Sea ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Water Control ◽  
International Convention ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Approval Procedure ◽  
Control And Management

The paper analyses statutory foundations applicable to ships requiring to be exempted from the mandatory installation of the ballast water management system. In particular, it deals with ships sailing on regular international lines but within the semi-closed seas, such as the Adriatic Sea. The legal framework is set out in the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM, 2004), the IMO Guidelines for Risk Assessment A-4 (G7), and the Croatian Ordinance on Ballast Water Control and Management, 2012 [Pravilnik o upravljanju i nadzoru balastnih voda]. The paper presents the model procedure to be followed by main stakeholders, mainly national maritime administrations and shipping companies. The paper outlines the main advantages and disadvantages of the whole process and analyses several cases of good practice. Furthermore, the main stakeholders in the approval procedure and their responsibilities are described, available risk assessment models are analysed, with the particular emphasis on the species-specific risk assessment method as the most preferred method. Finally, the need for cooperation between the involved states and their maritime administrations is considered. It is concluded that bilateral and regional cooperations are an essential element in preserving the marine environment of any sea area. In that respect, the proposed model of the BWM system exemption approval in closed and semi-closed seas, such as the Adriatic Sea, is essential for shipping companies connecting ports in different countries on regular routes. Although demanding in respect of efforts and time, a procedure is viable and may be carried out in due time and with satisfactory outcomes.

scholarly journals Ballast water management and their system processing

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-60
Author(s):  
M. Diasamidze ◽  
A. Shotadze
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Ballast Water ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Aquatic Organisms ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Management Options ◽  
International Convention ◽  
Ballast Tanks ◽  
Control And Management ◽  
Ballast Water Management

Ballast water provides stability and maneuverability to a ship. Large ships can carry millions of gallons of ballast water. Ballast water discharged by ships can have a negative impact on the marine environment. There are thousands of marine species that may be carried in ships’ ballast water; In order to reduce the risk of new introductions of exotic species, the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments in 2004. This Convention aims ‘to continue the development of safer and more effective Ballast Water Management options that will result in continued prevention, minimization and ultimate elimination of the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens’. To prevent possible invasions, organisms should not be discharged from ballast tanks. This can be achieved by treating the ballast water, for instance by killing organisms that are travelling in the ballast water.

scholarly journals Sampling Methodologies and Approaches for Ballast Water Management Compliance Monitoring

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 397-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Gollasch ◽  
Matej David
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Ballast Water ◽  
Compliance Monitoring ◽  
Water Sampling ◽  
State Control ◽  
International Convention ◽  
Harmful Organisms ◽  
Control Port ◽  
Ballast Water Management ◽  
Port State Control

The human-mediated transfer of harmful organisms via shipping, especially via ballast water transport, has raised considerable attention especially in the last decade due to the negative associated impacts. Ballast water sampling is important to assess the compliance with ballast water management requirements (i.e. compliance monitoring). The complexity of ballast water sampling is a result of organism diversity and behaviour which may require different sampling strategies, as well as ship design implications including availability of ballast water sampling points. This paper discusses the ballast water sampling methodologies with emphasis on compliance monitoring by the Port State Control officers according to the International Convention on the Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004. KEY WORDS: maritime transport, compliance control, port state control, ballast water sampling, ballast water management

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