INTERTANKO has made its Ports with Challenging Water Quality Database accessible to non-members in order to enhance understanding of the challenges faced by ballast water management systems. Shipowners are now invited to contribute to the database by submitting their own reports. The database aims to assist vessels calling at ports where water quality conditions make it difficult for BWMS to operate optimally when taking on ballast. By increasing the dataset, the industry and regulators can gain a clearer understanding of the issue and make better decisions both onboard and at the port.
According to INTERTANKO’s Will Sturdy, shipowners are encouraged to participate in order to improve clarity in ballast water management operation and enforcement in ports with challenging water quality. The database is expected to aid ships in their due diligence and voyage planning preparation, as well as facilitate communication with port State control authorities and flag administrations. By providing essential information to these entities, ships can better prepare for challenging water quality situations at ports and implement solutions before reaching the next port of call.
The tool is designed to help ships comply with the D-2 discharge standard by enabling them to anticipate and address challenging water quality conditions at ports. This proactive approach can lead to smoother and more environmentally safe discharge of ballast water taken from ports with difficult water quality. By addressing these factors and implementing solutions, INTERTANKO believes that the industry can improve compliance with regulations and ensure the proper management of ballast water.