Ballast Water Treatment Systems - Varuna Marine Services

Ballast Water Treatment System

Mandatory IMO D2 Commission testing

Ballast Water Treatment System

Ballast water has been an integral component of the ship’s stability. Whether or not the ship is at sea, ballast water is carried on all seagoing vessels big or small to maintain acceptable stability conditions.

But, the invasive aquatic species in ship ballast water is one of the biggest problems facing the shipping industry. These aquatic species pose a major threat to marine ecosystems and have led to an alarming increase in bio-invasion.

The BWM Convention

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted The Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM Convention) which entered into force globally on 8 September 2017.

It applies to ships registered under contracting Parties to the BWM Convention, which take up and use ballast water during international voyages, in order to help prevent the spread of potentially harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in ships’ ballast water.

From the date of entry into force, ships in international traffic are required to manage their ballast water and sediments to a certain standard, according to a ship-specific ballast water management plan. Ships have to carry:

Ballast water management plan
Ballast water record book
International Ballast Water Management Certificate

BWM Convention introduces two standards for the handling of discharged ballast water:

The D-1 standard covers ballast water exchange
The D-2 standard covers ballast water treatment.

This regulation will come into force in September 2024 and will oblige all ships to comply with the above standards.

Why BWTS Commission Testing is required?

The IMO BWM Convention requires vessels trading Internationally to eventually comply with D-2 Standard. In order to comply with the D-2 standard, installation of a BWTS is needed.
As of 1st June 2022, all newly installed BWTS on board of a vessel, must be Commission Tested with an Independent Class approved Service Supplier which is independent of the Owner and the manufacturer.
A successful Commission Testing and Report is one of the requirements to obtain the International Ballast Water Management Certificate.
The purpose of D-2 commission testing is to validate the biological efficacy of the Ballast Water Treatment System.
Ship owners have to order the Commission Testing using an independent service provider, other than the BTWS manufacturer.

Why VMS?

Varuna Marine Services B.V. is class approved and maintains a global service suppliers’ network to enable local service at Global ports. Hence providing most cost efficient and quick turnaround.

Through our global footprints we are capable of Commission testing at all major port(s) around the world: Netherlands, France, Germany, Poland, Greece, Italy, Turkey, Lithuania, Chile, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, Spain, UAE, USA , UK.
We ensure the highest standards of service during sampling and testing.
As Class approved service supplier, we ensure maximum cost effectiveness and solid deliverables in terms of manpower and testing.
Ensure complete transparency in the whole process from the beginning to the end.
The Commission testing is performed according to the IMO D2 Method yielding instant results. A Laboratory is commissioned where necessary.
Compliant with the IMO Standards
Environment-friendly and less carbon footprint in the delivery of service
We can also carry out VGP test as per requirement of USCG and EPA 2013