Ballast water compliance: advances amid technical and regulatory challenges

The Same Risk Area (SRA) concept was also discussed as a potential interim solution for ships operating in regions where BWE/T is not possible. This concept encourages IMO Member States to collaborate and establish SRAs, which would allow for co-ordinated management of ballast water in shared water bodies. However, the implementation of SRAs has proven challenging, with only one SRA established since 2017. Mr Harun noted that establishing SRAs requires significant scientific analysis and co-ordination between administrations, making it a complex and time-consuming process.

Compliance assessments

MEPC 81 highlighted several technical and regulatory challenges that need to be addressed to improve ballast water compliance. One such challenge is the need to revise type approval procedures for BWMS. The current procedures often fail to account for real-world operational conditions, leading to sub-optimal performance of approved systems. Mr Harun pointed out the necessity for standardised sampling procedures and adherence to IMO G2 Guidelines to ensure consistent and reliable compliance assessments. He also stressed the importance of policy considerations for handling sub-optimal D-2 approved systems and the potential revocation of certification if systems fail to meet discharge standards.

The standardisation of Port State Control (PSC) sampling procedures was another critical issue discussed and to address this, the committee underlined the need for a harmonised approach to PSC sampling, ensuring that all procedures align with IMO guidelines. This standardisation is vital for maintaining fairness and transparency in compliance enforcement.

Technological limitations also pose significant challenges for BWMS, particularly in ports with varying water conditions. Mouawad Consulting CEO, Jad Mouawad, explained that "varying environmental conditions [and] lack of comprehensive real-world performance data" are major hurdles in developing effective BWMS. He stressed the importance of continuous innovation and improvement in BWMS technology to meet these challenges. Mr Mouawad also highlighted the role of feedback mechanisms in this process, stating that "ongoing feedback and data collection from the field are crucial for driving technological advancements and ensuring systems are effective under diverse conditions."

From an industry perspective, shipowners face numerous operational challenges in complying with BWM regulations. The financial burden of installing and maintaining BWMS, coupled with the need to balance compliance with operational costs, places significant strain on shipowners. Mr Harun underscored that the industry must work together to find practical solutions, noting that "co-operation and trust are essential to make sure everyone contributes to the success of the convention."

Manufacturers also play a critical role in the ongoing development and improvement of BWMS technology. Continuous research and development is necessary to address the limitations of current systems and ensure they can perform effectively under real-world conditions. Mr Mouawad underscored the importance of innovation, stating: “The key to improving how this convention works is the development and investment into better technologies.”

Looking ahead, MEPC 82 and subsequent sessions will continue to focus on refining ballast water management practices and addressing unresolved issues. Future sessions are expected to prioritise the standardisation of PSC sampling procedures, revisions to the type approval processes, and the development of new guidelines to address emerging challenges. The ongoing collaboration between regulators, industry stakeholders and technical experts will be crucial in achieving these objectives.

As Mr Mouawad appropriately put it: "We will never develop a machine that can treat all water types, but we can improve our systems and procedures to better meet the standards and protect our marine environments."

* INTERTANKO regional manager SE Asia and environment manager Elfian Harun, and Mouawad Consulting CEO Jad Mouawad, were taking part in Riviera’s Standardising ballast water compliance: key takeaways from MEPC 81 webinar, which took place on 11 April 2024.