Ballast water management

The IMO’s MEPC Committee have agreed amendments to the implementation schedule for the installation of ballast water treatment systems. Read more in Class News 16/2017  

Because we understand the pressures you face, the operational challenges you have to overcome and the intricacies of the compliance standards you have to meet, our services are tailored to your needs.

Delays due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the operations of shipyards and disrupted the supply chains for ballast water management system providers, which may have an impact on equipment installation schedules. For delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Owners should contact Lloyd’s Register to make suitable arrangements with Flag Administrations.

• IMO Circular Letter No.4204/Add.7 gives guidance concerning new construction projects and the unforeseen delays in the delivery of ships due to COVID-19.
• For information on postponements of USCG ballast water management requirements due to COVID-19 see Marine Safety Information Bulletin No. MSIB-14-20.

BWMS Commissioning Testing

From 1 June 2022, amendments to the BWM Convention, regulation E-1, came into force, published in IMO Resolution MEPC.325(75). These amendments mandate the commissioning testing of BWMS during initial surveys for new construction projects and during BWMS installation surveys on existing ships (i.e. what the Convention calls additional surveys). The commissioning testing should be carried out in accordance with BWM.2/Circ.70/Rev.1, by either an LR approved service supplier or by an organisation acceptable to the flag Administration. Find an approved service supplier in the LR Approvals database.

Get more information

Our brochure provides a clear outline of the Convention’s implications, and highlights how we can help you minimise its impact on the way you operate. If you are a shipowner or operator, a designer or builder, an equipment manufacturer, port owner or flag administration, this guide is for you.

Download our ballast water management brochure