Automated remote method and system for monitoring performance of ballast water treatment system operation on ships

Abstract

This article analyses in detail the reasons why supervision for the continual operation of ballast water treatment systems (BWTS) is necessary. Scientific contributions made by scientists who proposed various methods for rapid ballast water sampling, due to doubts in the consistent quality of BWTS operations, were analysed. The proposed detection models were based on taking samples and analysing them only after the ballast water was treated using one of the existing BWTS. An entirely new system is proposed where, in the case of an operational malfunction in a BWTS on a ship, the personnel at the terminal be notified immediately when a ship has an operational malfunction in the BWTS. As such, it would be possible to determine that the ballast water had perhaps not been treated at all or partially, while cargo operations and ballasting were fully performed. The ballast water with that quality would not be allowed to be unloaded at the next port as there is a possibility that it was not treated at all or partially. In accepting this proposal worldwide, there would be greater safety in the operations of BWTS and more confidence in the cargo operations of shipping companies, as well as their crew members.