New Requirements on Ballast Water Management – 24th October 2024

 

New Requirements on Ballast Water Management – 24^th October 2024

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has introduced significant updates to the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention through the adoption of three revised circulars on 24 October 2024.

These amendments provide updated guidance on critical aspects of ballast water management, including record-keeping, type approval processes, and the use of active substances in ballast water management systems (BWMS).

On 24 October 2024, the IMO has adopted the following three amendments to the current circulars relating to the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention which are as follows:

1. IMO – BWM.2/Circ.34/Rev.13 – List of ballast water management systems that make use of Active Substances which received Basic and Final Approval (adopted on 24 October 2024)
2. IMO – BWM.2/Circ.43/Rev.2 – 2024 Guidance for Administrations on the type approval process for ballast water management systems (adopted on 24 October 2024)
3. IMO – BWM.2/Circ.80/Rev.1 – 2024 Guidance on ballast water record-keeping and reporting (adopted on 24 October 2024)

 

IMO – BWM.2/Circ.34/Rev.13 – List of Ballast Water Management Systems That Make Use of Active Substances (For ship owners and operators)

The latest revision of this circular provides the annual updated list of ballast water management systems that utilize Active Substances, which have received either Basic Approval or Final Approval under the IMO’s rigorous evaluation process.

This list serves as a crucial resource for ship owners and operators, offering clarity on the approved systems available in the market and ensuring that selected systems comply with the BWM Convention’s environmental and safety requirements.

IMO – BWM.2/Circ.43/Rev.2 – 2024 Guidance for Administrations on the Type Approval Process for Ballast Water Management Systems (For Administrations)

This circular introduces essential updates to the type approval process for ballast water management systems (BWMS).

Specifically, it outlines procedures for evaluating and approving modifications, whether major or minor, to an already type-approved BWMS as proposed by manufacturers.

This guidance aims to streamline the approval process while ensuring that modifications maintain compliance with the stringent standards of the BWM Convention, thereby enhancing the adaptability and reliability of BWMS in evolving operational contexts.

 

IMO – BWM.2/Circ.80/Rev.1 – 2024 Guidance on Ballast Water Record-Keeping and Reporting (For Ship’s master)

This revised circular provides updated guidance on ballast water record-keeping and reporting, emphasizing the inclusion of operational scenarios related to challenging water quality conditions.

In alignment with the “Interim guidance on the application of the BWM Convention to ships operating in challenging water quality conditions” (Resolution MEPC.387 (81)), the circular mandates that such scenarios be accurately documented in the Ballast Water Record Book.

 This ensures compliance while addressing practical operational challenges, helping ship operators manage complex water quality conditions effectively.