Ballast Water Management is Reducing the Flow of Invasive Species into the Great Lakes
Freshwater ecosystems are threatened by a host of environmental stressors from human activities. Among the most insidious and impactful of these is invasion by non-native species.Over the past two centuries, established populations of nearly 190 non-native species of invertebrates, fishes, plants and microbes have been discovered in the Great Lakes basin. They were introduced through several sources and pathways including canals, pet release, bait bucket dumping, aquaculture escapesâŠ
TECH FILE: The Scrubber Uptake - Economics & Technologies
Expectations are high that exhaust gas scrubber technology demand will soon be resurge. But what lessons have been learned from installations and which type will dominate?Installing scrubber systems on ships that were never envisaged to have them on board has brought well documented challenges for older tonnage, with accurate drawings and documents sometimes hard to source. Where class documentation is concerned, meanwhile, different societies can have subtly different requirementsâŠ
Expert Advice: New Ballast Water Guide
If you and your crew are facing questions about ballast water management (BWM) and related regulatory deadlines, it would be worth your while to download a new (January 2021) âBallast Water Management Systems User Guide,â an extensive, in-depth look at evaluating, selecting and installing a BWM system. The guide was published by MARAD and Glosten for the Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP). It is geared primarily toward U.S.-flag operators in domestic and international trade.As most mariners know, BWM, overseen federally by U.S. EPA and the Coast Guard, includes a number of activities.
Addressing Invasive Species in Shipsâ Ballast Water
The BWM Convention amendments formalizing the implementation schedule for the D-2 standard are now in force. Amendments to an international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of potentially invasive species in ships' ballast water entered into force on October 13, 2019.Ships regularly take on sea water, in tanks, to ensure their stability. Known as ballast water, this can contain many aquatic species, including in microscopic or larval form. These can become invasive and harmful if the ballast water is releasedâŠ
Ballast Water Update: Weighing the Advent of VIDA
The hard-fought passage of VIDA promises a simpler, more unified and logical set of environmental standards related to the discharge of myriad vessel streams. Industry wanted it, and now it is here. Will it deliver, and if so, when? That depends on who you talk to.As most commercial maritime operators know, US ballast water regulations made a sharp turn last December. Thatâs when President Trump signed the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018.That legislation contained Title IX â the âVessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA)âŠ
Ready for IMO 2020: Damen's Mobile BWTS
In less than five months, the IMOâs Ballast Water Convention will be extended to cover existing vessels as well as new builds. As of September 8, all will be required to comply by the time of their first IOPP certificate renewal following that date.To assist vessel owners in meeting their obligations under the convention while at the same time offering port and harbor authorities a value-added service that they can offer to their clients, Damen Green Solutions will be taking its InvaSave 300 mobile ballast water treatment system on tour to demonstrate its convenienceâŠ
USCG Posts Recap of Ballast Water Management & Technology Conference
Extensions, type approvals and next steps were all prominent on the agenda.Septemberâs Ballast Water Management and Technology North America conference saw USCG staff from the Office of Operating and Environmental Standards and the Marine Safety Center giving conference attendees an update on various aspects of the Coast Guardâs ballast water program. Following is a recap of those presentations for our readers who were unable to attend:Ms. Regina Bergner and Mr. Matthew Reudelhuber with the Office of Operating and Environmental Standards, and Lt.
APL Further Cuts CO2 Emissions
APL has announced a 50.7% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per transported container per kilometer in 2017, compared to its base level in 2009. This achievement marks APLâs eighth consecutive year of improved environmental performance, as reported in the Business for Social Responsibilityâs Clean Cargo Working Group (CCWG) Environmental Performance Assessment (EPA) of APLâs 2017 carbon dioxide emission data. The CCWG EPA data was verified by Lloydâs Register Group according to the CCWG verification protocol and principles of ISO14064-3:2006 standard. APL Global Head for Safety Security and Environment, Dennis Yee said, âWe are proud to raise the bar in reducing the carbon footprint of our fleet operations once again.
Emission Regulation Welcome, But Should be Wise: INTERCARGO
On the implementation of the 0.5% sulphur cap for shipsâ bunkers from 2020, International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) is promoting the consideration of transitional issues such as the availability and safety aspects of compliant fuels, and incidents of non-availability of low sulphur bunkers at certain ports. INTERCARGO encourages the effective implementation of the â2020 Sulphur Capâ regulation yet with a pragmatic approach. A reasonable and measured enforcement of the Regulation during an initial transitional period would thus be welcome instead. INTERCARGOraises its concerns about the practical - technical and operational - challenges faced by shipowners in achieving compliance from 01 Jan 2020, given the bunkersâ supply landscape and widespread uncertainty.
Damenâs BWM in Eight EU Ports
Ship owners are now able to treat their unmanaged ballast water or load cleaned ballast water in eight different Northern European ports using Damenâs unique IMO certified InvaSave ballast water management system. In a cooperation between Damen Green Solutions and Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (DSC), this ballast water reception/bunkering service will be available in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Brest, Dunkerque, Vlissingen, Den Helder, Stellendam and Harlingen. Damenâs InvaSave is the worldâs first external ballast water treatment unit designed primarily to offer ship owners a port-based ballast water solution. With this cooperation, vessels coming into these eight ports will be able to take advantage of a one-stop-shop for their ballast water treatment requirements.
ChartCo Introduces EnviroManager 5.4 At Europort
ChartCo introduced version 5.4 of its EnviroManager. Already installed on over 500 vessels since its launch in early 2017, EnviroManager consolidates information to assist vessels to comply with MARPOL regulations for discharges and emissions. EnviroManager includes the baseline information for each nation as required by regulations. The display shows âdistance from landâ as measured from the official country baseline, as opposed to the shoreline which is identified on a navigational chart.
MEPC 71: Ballast Water Management Update
Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) 71 was a very busy week and ship owners can now benefit from having a firm view of the regulatory timeline for complying with the latest global require-ments for managing the ballast water from their vessels. Unfortunately, the timeline remains very crowded and for owners with ships trading to and from the U.S., compliance is more complicated. While some deadlines were eased to reflect the fact that many dates from the original BWM Convention had lapsed while consensus was being reachedâŠ
BWM Should Not Distort the Market: Intercargo
In view of the International Maritime Organisationâs (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee upcoming meeting (MEPC 71 during 3-7 July 2017), Intercargo re-iterates its welcoming the entry into force of the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention in September. Aspiring to the Conventionâs effective implementation, our Association will be making MEPC 71 Committee aware of the critical challenges faced by the bulk carrier segment of the industry. The world bulk carrier fleet is by far the largest single sector by deadweight tonnage and a significant proportion of it utilizes the highly energy efficient gravity discharge system for the topside ballast water tanks. Topside tanks are an integral part of bulk carriers.
ABS Nautical Systems Simplifies MRV Compliance
ABS has launched ABS Nautical Systems NS Voyage Manager to simplify compliance reporting. The cloud-based, subscription application facilitates compliance with a range of environmental regulations, including the European Union (EU) Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) regulation for CO 2 emissions. âWith EU MRV already in effect and additional regulations on the horizon, such as the International Maritime Organizationâs Data Collection System requirement, operators need an easy way to manage the increasing volume of data required for reporting,â says ABS Chief Technology Officer and ABS Nautical Systems President Howard Fireman.
OP/Ed: CVIDA Good for Environment & Economy
I think it safe to say everyone agrees the discharge of ballast water has introduced non-native species to ports and harbors worldwide and more must be done to stop future invasions. Unfortunately, beyond that, thereâs less agreement, much less. As a result, here in the United States we have two federal agencies, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), plus, at last count, 25 states regulating discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels, 16 of which are specific to ballast water.
Effler Appointed Business Manager, Alfa Laval PureBallast
Beginning December 2016, Kristina Effler will assist marine customers navigating ballast water treatment alternatives as the new Global Business Manager for Alfa Laval PureBallast. Effler assumes the role just as the global shipping industry prepares for the implementation of the IMO BWM Conventionâs entry into force in September 2017. Effler brings 12 years of experience in various positions throughout the Alfa Laval organization. Most recently, she served as the Global Business Manager for the PureNOx system within the companyâs Marine Division. In this capacity, she was responsible for the creation of Alfa Lavalâs Water Treatment Exhaust Gas Emissions business area from scratch, overseeing the successful commercial development of the product.
Ballast Water Management Systems: Let the Games Begin
With the accession by Finland to the International Convention for the Control and Management of Shipsâ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (better known as the Ballast Water Management or BWM Convention), there are now sufficient ratifications for the Convention to enter into force. Entry into force will occur on 8 September 2017. It has been an agonizingly slow process for a convention that was adopted with such high hopes. Starting in the late 1970s as vessels became larger and fasterâŠ
Australiaâs New Ballast Water Management Requirements
The Australian government has announced via the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that from June 16, 2016, new requirements for ships engaged in international voyages will be enacted under the auspices of the âBiosecurity Act 2015â. A section of the âBiosecurity Act 2015â concerns ballast water from ships on international voyages and has been so drafted as to ensure the implementation of the IMOâs âBallast Water Management Conventionâ (BWM Convention). Consequently, from June 16, 2016 Australia will authorize the use of ballast water management systems which have been type approved via the IMO type approval process, as well as the currently accepted methods of ballast water management such as the ballast water exchange.
[Op-Ed] Ballast Water Facts, Not Hype
An Op-Ed issued by the Lake Carriersâ Association, American Great Lakes Ports Association and Great Lakes Maritime Task Force addresses the âexaggerations and inaccuraciesâ surrounding the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA), and explains how the legislation will best protect the Great Lakes from aquatic nuisance species. Recently, several articles, editorials and letters have perpetuated exaggerations and inaccuracies about the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA). We believe the public deserves the rest of the story.
INSIGHTS: Steve Candito, President, Foresea Consulting
Steven Candito is the Founder, President and CEO of Foresea, which provides advisory services including strategic planning, regulatory compliance and crisis management to the maritime and environmental communities. Previously, Candito was President and CEO of NRC. He has extensive experience with OPA 90 compliance issues with particular focus on vessel owner and insurance matters. Before that, Candito was an attorney with Haight Gardner Poor & Havens, specializing in maritime and environmental law. Candito has also served as a marine engineer aboard Exxon USAâs domestic tanker fleet. He is a graduate of Hofstra University School of Law and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
New Rules for Ballast Water Management in Australia
Since July 2001, all ships entering Australian ports or waters from overseas have been subject to Australiaâs national ballast water management requirements. These are currently enforced under the Quarantine Act 1908, but from June 16, 2016, they will be enforced under the Biosecurity Act 2015. This has been drafted to move Australian legislation towards consistency with the International Maritime Organizationâs Ballast Water Management Convention (the International Convention for the Control and Management of Shipsâ Ballast Water and Sediments 2004). At present, the Australian national requirements only list ballast water exchange as a valid ballast water management method and do not list âalternative ballast water management methodsâ such as ballast water treatment systems.
Hard Problems Demand Soft(ware) Solutions
Make no mistake, the commercial maritime industry will always revolve around heavy duty machinery and mega-machines designed to weather some of the toughest operating conditions on earth. But in recent years a proliferation of Software Solutions has evolved to help the machines operate more efficiently and cost effectively. MR editors report on latest developments in maritime specific Software Solutions. Kværner Verdal AS selected AVEVA Bocad Steel and AVEVA Bocad Offshore for use at its design and fabrication yard in VerdalâŠ
Insights: Rear Admiral Paul F. Thomas
Rear Admiral Paul Thomas is the Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy overseeing three Coast Guard directorates: Inspections and Compliance, Marine Transportation Systems, and Commercial Regulations and Standards. The programs include waterways management, navigation and boating safety, ports and facilities, merchant mariner credentialing, vessel documentation, marine casualty investigation, commercial vessel inspections, and port state control. A longtime specialist in Marine SafetyâŠ