- Over 30% of Vessels Failing D-2 Compliance Despite Type-Approved Systems.
- Routine Maintenance and Crew Training Key to BWTS Performance.
- 2025 PSC Campaign to Focus on Ballast Water Management Compliance.
Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS) are often seen as ‘install-and-forget’ solutions, but BIO-UV Group, a water treatment specialist, warns against this mindset. They stress that these systems need continuous technical supervision and a trained crew to function properly. Ignoring or misusing them not only leads to non-compliance but also poses a threat to the marine ecosystem, reports Safety4Sea.
Over 30% of Vessels Fail D-2 Compliance Despite Type-Approved Systems
According to BIO-UV Group, recent statistics show that more than 30% of vessels do not meet D-2 compliance standards, even when they have type-approved BWTS installed. In light of this, the company has introduced a new initiative aimed at assisting ship managers in tackling the increasing operational and regulatory demands of BWTS maintenance.
Routine Maintenance Often Overlooked
The company points out that crucial maintenance tasks, like cleaning air and water filters, changing UV lamps, and calibrating sensors, are often neglected.
“Routine checks are essential,” said J.P. Picard de Muller. “Crews need to verify valves are in the correct position and any condensation is drained.” Even when systems are up and running, gaps in crew training can really throw a wrench in the works. If the crew doesn’t have the know-how to carry out routine checks or spot issues like pressure drops or strange noises, it puts compliance in jeopardy.
77% of Shipowners Report Operational BWMS Issues
According to data from the IMO, a staggering 77% of shipowners have reported facing operational challenges with their Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS), and a lack of crew knowledge is a significant part of the problem. Port State Control (PSC) officers are paying closer attention to crew competence during inspections, scrutinising both operational understanding and documentation.
This issue couldn’t come at a more critical time, especially with the upcoming 2025 PSC Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) set to run from September 1 to November 30, which will specifically target compliance with Ballast Water Management regulations.
Crew Competency and Documentation Key to Passing PSC Inspections
“Shipowners do need to prioritise continuous training, covering not only system operation but also troubleshooting and emergency procedures,” said Charlène Ceresola, BWT Project Manager at BIO-UV Group.
“A well-maintained record book is as important as a well-maintained system,” she added. “Shipowners must audit documentation regularly to avoid detentions.”
Ageing Systems Pose Sustainability and Support Challenges
Some BWTS units that were installed a few years back are now running into support and sustainability challenges. This is particularly true for those units from manufacturers that have since exited the market, leaving owners in a tough spot without access to spare parts, software updates, or any technical help.
“When manufacturers exit the market, shipowners risk being left without spare parts, software updates, or technical support. This jeopardises compliance even if the system was type-approved at the time of installation,” Ceresola warned.
Proactive Measures Advised to Avoid Non-Compliance
To mitigate these risks, BIO-UV Group recommends that shipowners stockpile critical spare parts, secure support agreements with OEMs, and consider system upgrades during dry-dock periods.
“Non-compliance can lead to ship detentions, substantial fines, and reputational damage. Meeting ballast water regulations is not just about ticking boxes. Shipowners must act now to ensure their systems are reliable, their crews are trained, and their documentation is complete,” Charlène Ceresola said.
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Source: Safety4Sea
