This statutory news provides a summary of relevant guidance on various aspects of ballast water management such as on new IMO requirements for biological testing by sampling at commissioning of ballast water management systems and on contingency measures. It also includes recommendations for IOPP re-coupling and handling of typical operational challenges.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has recently issued shipping circulars related to the commissioning testing of ballast water management systems (BWMS) and the incorporation of contingency measures into ballast water management plans (BWMP).

With next IOPP renewal survey completion on or after 8 September 2019, a substantial number of vessels which presently only comply with the D-1 standard will be required to install a D-2 standard ballast water treatment system. This statutory news provides some recommendations on how to effectively install a system in due time.

ABS hosted a BWM workshop in the fall of 2018 and early 2019. The scope of the workshops was extended to shipowners and operators globally.  More than 60 shipowners and Operators participated in the workshops and shared their experiences and lessons learned and provided valuable insights into the installation and operation of their BWMS.

Amendments and resolutions relating to the International Maritime Organisation’s Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention may affect ship survey and type approval work.

Be aware of the following changes, adopted by the IMO’s Maritime Environment Protection Committee during its 72^nd session (MEPC 72)