The issue of invasive species being transferred around the world in ballast water has been a concern for decades, with the IMO adopting voluntary guidelines in 1991 to address the issue. Over the years, treatment systems for ballast water have evolved, with over 80 systems gaining type approval. However, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of these systems, especially in testing conditions that may not accurately reflect real-world scenarios. The US Coast Guard’s refusal to embrace treatment that renders organisms permanently non-viable has also created challenges for OEMs using UV treatment.
As the deadline for compliance with the D-2 standard approaches, the details are still being resolved at MEPC 81. The control of invasive species remains a challenging battle, with some species, like the round goby, thriving in new environments. Despite efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species through ballast water exchange, challenges remain, as untreated sediments in ships’ tanks can harbor living organisms ready for dispersal. Compliance with the D-2 standard for ballast water treatment systems is crucial, but issues with bypassing the system and maintaining compliance persist.
Efforts are being made to improve the efficacy of ballast water treatment systems, with companies like SGS playing a key role in developing sampling and testing techniques to verify compliance with the D-2 standard. However, challenges remain in ensuring consistent compliance and addressing root causes for bypassing treatment systems. The industry is looking towards potential solutions, such as shoreside treatment systems and mobile BWMS, to enhance environmental protection and regulatory compliance in the future.
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