Ballast Water Treatment Systems Research Articles

Legal challenges of regulating cross-border nuclear pollution from ship ballast water under the background of fukushima wastewater release and China’s response

The Japanese government has initiated plans to release water contaminated The international community has yet to fully recognize the accelerated spread of nuclear-contaminated water through ship ballast water along the Japanese route. This increases the risk of nuclear exposure for crew members and poses ecological and environmental contamination risks to port waters, inland seas, and rivers. The lack of international attention to the marine nuclear safety crisis caused by nuclear pollution from ballast water, along with the absence of corresponding legal prevention and control mechanisms and technical safeguards, remains a critical issue. From the perspective of international law, preventing the spread of Fukushima wastewater through ship ballast water faces numerous legal challenges, including disputes over the applicability of conventions, the jurisdiction of international organizations, and mechanisms for cross-border accountability for marine nuclear pollution. As a major shipping nation adjacent to Japan, China faces significant risks of nuclear pollution from ballast water along the Japanese route. To counter such risks, it is recommended to propose measures through the International Maritime Organization to elevate international attention. Moreover, refining ballast water regulatory frameworks, establishing monitoring and warning mechanisms specific to nuclear pollution from ballast water, improving the technical capabilities of ballast water treatment systems, and promoting international cooperation in monitoring marine environments and preventing pollution are also advisable.

Systematic Considerations for a Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) Retrofits: A Review

As a country that has more than half of the country's total territorial waters, Indonesia is highly dependent on shipping activities. Therefore, knowledge of policy updates for each ship from IMO must also be taken into account, one of which is the policy regarding the Ballast Water Management System, which requires every ship to be installed with a Ballast Water Treatment System in order to achieve the goal of a green environment in voyage areas by inhibiting the spread of microorganisms that endanger the area that is caused by ballast water. This regulatory update then creates problems, especially for ships that have been operating for a long time, because the ship has to comply with the standards for D-1 and then also have to comply with the D-2 standards according to the time specified in the convention. So, this review article will discuss the solution to the issues with retrofitting ballast water treatment systems as the addition of a new system to the existing system on a ship that has sailed and pay attention to conceptual aspects consisting of considerations and operations to find the type of ballast water treatment that suits each ship's needs by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each technology type method. There is also consideration for several stages that are commonly used to determine the type of treatment, starting with assessment and planning requirements, selection of space, compliance with BWMS regulations, selection of the ballast water treatment system method, engineering drawing, installation planning, and commissioning. Apart from that, several related innovation considerations were also discussed, including the development of alternative treatment technology, which has the potential for efficiency both in operational aspects and safety standards. Based on research developments, retrofitting the Ballast Water Treatment System with the ultra-violet (UV) treatment is well known as the common treatment beside the electrolysis treatment. The results obtained show that the ultra-violet (UV) method is one of the most efficient treatments when viewed from the way it works and the time duration for the treatment process. This proves that ultra-violet treatment can produce maximum efficiency if the selection of needs and consideration of maximized aspects also exceed the safety aspect as well.

Design proposal for a ballast treatment system to reduce the invasion of species in the Galapagos

Ballast water is necessary to maintain the stability of the vessels when loading and unloading their merchandise. However, it is also one of the main causes of species invasions in many ports around the world. The Galapagos Islands are no exception to this problem, since according to investigations several non-native species have been found due to ballast transport. Therefore, this project focused on the development of an alternative model for a ballast water treatment system using the chemical method to prevent the invasion of species in the Islands. As a result, two models were obtained. In the first, one NaClO dosing pump is used and in the second, two pumps are used. Each one of them was carried out from the Isla de la Plata ballast system and using RhinoCeros and AutoCAD software. In conclusion, after the modeling of both proposals and the technical analysis of the current ballast system of the vessel, it was determined that they comply with the provisions of the IMO and that they are the basis for the subsequent implementation of the alternatives.

Development of UV reactor controller in ballast water treatment system to minimize the biological threat on marine environment

Ballast water management is an effective measure to ensure that organisms and bacteria do not migrate with the ballast water to other areas. The International Maritime Organization adopted the International Convention on the Control and Management of Ballast Water and Ship Sediments, in 2004 which regulates issues of ballast water management. Many technologies have been researched and developed; in particular, using UV rays is the method that is evaluated with many advantages and meets the requirements of the Convention. The UV reactor in the ballast water treatment system has a very large capacity, so in the ballast water treatment system, it is often necessary to use many high-power UV lamps in one UV reactor. These high-power UV lamps consume a lot of electrical energy and are very expensive. Research on the control of UV radiation in the process of disinfecting water appropriately and effectively is necessary in order to improve the life of UV lamps, consume less electricity, and ensuring anti-bacterial duty is well conducted. This paper presents the development of a controller for a UV reactor and ballast water flow in the ballast water treatment system installed on ships. Experimental results on ships indicate the efficiency achieved by the developed UV controller.

Study on Ship Ballast Water Treatment Methods

With the rise of the world's maritime industry, the ecological and environmental concerns produced by ballast water discharges from ships are growing more and more significant, and can be hazardous to marine ecosystems, the marine economy, and human health. The ballast water management (BWM) convention from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) sets the rules for ballast water discharge and the two methods of ballast water exchange and ballast water treatment. Common types of ballast water management technology are introduced in this paper and the pros and cons of specific types of technology are explained. The research of this paper demonstrates that it is difficult for a single ballast water treatment system to achieve the D-2 discharge standard established in the BWM. More and more countries are increasingly supporting more efficient and environmentally friendly ballast water combination treatment systems. This paper may offer a reference for the development of ballast water treatment technology.

Optimal UV Quantity for a Ballast Water Treatment System for Compliance with Imo Standards

Abstract Ballast water management is an effective measure to ensure that organisms, bacteria and viruses do not migrate with the ballast water to other areas. In 2004, the International Maritime Organization adopted the International Convention on the Control and Management of Ballast Water and Ship Sediments, which regulates issues related to ballast water management. Many technologies have been researched and developed, and of these, the use of UV rays in combination with filter membranes has been shown to have many advantages and to meet the requirements of the Convention. However, the use of UV furnaces in ballast water treatment systems requires a very large capacity, involving the use of many high-power UV lamps. This not only consumes large amounts of electrical energy, but is also expensive. It is therefore necessary to find an optimal algorithm to enable the UV radiation for the UV controller in the ballast water sterilisation process to be controlled in a reasonable and effective manner. This controller helps to prolong the life of the UV lamp, reduce power consumption and ensure effective sterilisation. This paper presents a UV control algorithm and a controller for a UV furnace for a ballast water treatment system installed on a ship. The results of tests on vessels illustrate the effect of the proposed UV controller.

Marine invasive alien species in Europe: 9 years after the IAS Regulation

Biological invasions, resulting from human activities, exert substantial impacts on ecosystems worldwide. This review focuses on marine invasive alien species (IAS) in Europe, examining the current state, proposing strategies to address the problem, and offering recommendations for enhanced management. Effective management of biological invasions relies on accessible, accurate data to inform decision-making. Information systems such as the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN), Aquatic Non-Indigenous and Cryptogenic Species (AquaNIS), and World Register of Introduced Marine Species (WriMS) provide comprehensive databases on IAS, but their sustainability requires long-term maintenance, continuous updates, and support. Most countries lack specific monitoring programs for marine IAS, and standardization and improvement of monitoring methods are needed. Port monitoring plays a vital role in the early detection of new arrivals, and recent advancements in molecular techniques show promise for effective IAS monitoring. Risk screening tools are commonly employed to rank taxa based on their invasiveness potential in European regions, but variations in protocols can yield inconsistent results. European impact assessments highlight resource competition, novel habitat creation, and predation as primary mechanisms for negative impacts on biodiversity, while the creation of novel habitats represents a key mechanism for positive impacts. Preventing IAS introductions is critical, and measures such as ballast water treatment systems are implemented to reduce the likelihood of marine introductions. However, understanding introduction pathways remains uncertain for many IAS. Eradication and control efforts for marine IAS have limited success, emphasizing the need for enhanced biosecurity measures. Climate change, especially ocean warming, can intensify IAS impacts on native species and ecosystems. In climate change hotspots, some tropical aliens may, however, compensate for the loss of thermally sensitive natives with similar traits. Therefore, it is imperative to consider the interactions between climate change and IAS in developing effective management and conservation strategies. Enhancing IAS management in Europe entails i) securing adequate funding, ii) expanding the list of IAS of Union Concern to adequately cover marine invasions, iii) learning from countries with successful biosecurity practices, iv) sustaining information systems, v) improving monitoring and early warning systems with innovative technologies, vi) enhancing prediction models, vii) conducting integrated impact assessments and mapping cumulative IAS impacts, and vii) considering the potential benefits of IAS in ecosystem functioning and services.

Evaluation of ballast water treatment systems from the perspective of expert seafarers' ship experiences

Until recently, the selection of ballast water treatment (BWT) systems was based on a predetermined set of criteria that did not include evaluations for system utilization due to lack of experience. The experience-building phase for the systems began, especially with the entry of the Ballast Water Management Convention into force. For effective assessment and decision-making, the evaluations of expert seafarers responsible for using ballast water treatment systems on-board ships are of paramount importance. This study was completed by evaluating the experience and evaluations of 50 expert seafarers (24 deck personnel and 26 engine personnel) working in a Turkish maritime company in three phases to contribute to the decision-making and system evaluation processes: 1- The failure reports written by the ship personnel of the maritime company were examined, and bilateral interviews with expert seafarers working on these tankers were held; 2- an online questionnaire was prepared and presented to seafarers; 3Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to obtain a common perspective of the seafarers. In this study's first phase, 'ideal system characteristics' were determined. Based on these characteristics, an online questionnaire was prepared in the second phase of this study and presented to seafarers. In the third phase, a set of six criteria was developed, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to obtain the common perspective of 50 participants. Pairwise comparisons revealed that ‘Rare alarms and malfunctions’ was the most important criterion from the perspective of all seafarers and UV-type BWTSs were 1.76 times more preferable than the electrochemical (El-Chem) type BWTSs as a common approach.

Cost-benefit analysis of ballast water treatment for three major port clusters in China: evaluation of different scenario strategies

IntroductionThe expansion of maritime trade has led to the introduction of invasive species into aquatic ecosystems through ballast water discharge. China, being a major player in global trade and manufacturing, has experienced negative impacts on its coastal ecosystems and marine biodiversity.MethodsThis study examines the cost‒benefit trade-offs of ballast water management policies for major port clusters in China and other global ports. This paper evaluates compliance costs for individual vessels and fleets under different policy scenarios and ballast water treatment system (BWTS) installation strategies.ResultsThe onboard BWTS installation strategy appears to be more cost-effective under the existing International Maritime Organization (IMO) policy. However, with stricter global discharge requirements or a substantial increase in BWTS capital and operating costs, strategies based on port location could prove more beneficial due to potential economies of scale. Notably, ships with high ballast water discharge volumes, like bulk carriers, are potentially better equipped to cope with future policy shifts. In the face of stricter regulations in China, projected annual compliance cost increases range from $456 million (cost data based on China) to $1.205 billion (cost data based on US).DiscussionPolicymakers are advised to adopt a comprehensive view of ballast water management policies, taking into account the trade-offs between compliance costs and environmental risks. Other essential factors, such as advancements in BWTS technology, fuel consumption, emissions, and maintenance costs, also demand careful consideration in policy development.

Implementation of Ballast Water Management Convention Requirements in Maritime Education

Ballast Water Management Convention entered into force on the 8th of September 2017. Nevertheless, six years later, many problems are still waiting for their solution. Despite International Maritime Organization Guidelines, IMO HTW 7/12, Resolution MEPC.173 (58) and others, some details are still open questions that are waiting to receive their answer from the practice. The maritime society still discusses the correct way of collecting samples from ship’s ballast tanks, laboratory accreditation and licensing regulations, ballast water treatment systems maintenance. Another important issue is education and training of the personnel in charge of systems’ operation and repair. Education and training processes are already in the focus of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) but still waiting for Member states’ decision. The idea for such kind of activities appears in some particular educational institutions and training centers but the subject is not in the syllabi. Ballast Water Management Convention and related knowledge and skills are the new challenge for the shipping in all respects. The aim of this article is research regarding implementation of Ballast Water Management Convention in maritime education worldwide and in Bulgarian education and training institutions. The method of information analysis is used in order to compare what the leading maritime institutions propose in respect to Ballast Water Management Convention.

An interval type-2 fuzzy ELECTRE approach for assessing ballast water treatment systems for ships

An interval type-2 fuzzy ELECTRE approach for assessing ballast water treatment systems for ships

A study on treatment efficacy of ballast water treatment system applying filtration + membrane separation + deoxygenation technology during shipboard testing

The efficacy of a BWMS with filtration + membrane separation + deoxygenation technology in treating ballast water was investigated under marine operational circumstances in five shipboard tests. The shipboard tests were carried out between August 2020 and March 2021 onboard a bulk carrier JIN HAI HUA, which sailed between Mawei, Qinhuangdao and Caofeidian in China throughout spring, summer, and fall season. The discharge results in all five tests met the D-2 standard in IMO BWMS Code, with the shortest holding time of less than three days. The BWMS does not involve application of chemicals or generation of by-products, and is considered to be an appropriate choice for certain types of ships.

Development dynamic compliance cost model for implementation of ballast water management convention: shipowner perspective

The Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) regulates ship ballast water management to avoid the spread of aquatic invasive species. The convention requires all ships, including existing ones, to have a Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) onboard before September 8, 2024. There are some concerns about the compliance costs of BWMC, especially the additional cost of retrofitting cases. The ship retrofitting cost will depend on various factors, and it can be difficult for a shipowner to determine accurately. The procedure is intricate, and there are many factors to consider, such as the ship's size, BWTS system complexity, and the price of materials and modification level. In this paper, A proposed approach involves expert judgment to capture the effect of multi-stakeholder and estimate the compliance cost. As an essential part of the research methodology, the system dynamics method and life cycle cost are combined to develop a compliance cost model during the ship's lifetime. The simulation model shows that the confidence level of retrofitting costs for each BWTS is more than 94%. Therefore, the model can be used to estimate additional costs. As a result, BWTS type A is the most economical system for small tankers, with an estimated cost of USD 802,860 for the remaining 12 years of the ship's lifetime. Shipowners can use this model as a supporting decision tool to determine which BWTS would be suitable and assist in determining the budget necessary to comply with the BWMC.

Discharge compliance at Shanghai port – A case study on discharged ballast water from vessels with Ballast Water Treatment System

Discharge compliance at Shanghai port – A case study on discharged ballast water from vessels with Ballast Water Treatment System

Operation cost analysis of UV-based ballast water treatment system used on a bulk carrier ship

According to IMO rules, when a new machine system needs to be integrated into the ship, it is required to have low fuel consumption in terms of energy efficiency and emissions. The same is true for ballast treatment. Many different types of ballast water treatment systems (BWTS) are available on the marine market. Ship operators want to choose BWTS that will consume minimum fuel and operate at maximum efficiency. Therefore, in this study, fuel consumption under both IMO and USCG conditions, and hence the operational cost, is calculated if the UV-based BWTS system is integrated into a bulk carrier ship. As a result, the highest cost is $9773 when the most expensive fuel, MGO, is used and operation is performed with a single ballast pump. In USCG mode, the minimum cost is $6382 and the maximum cost is $18929 under the same conditions. It is seen that if the fuel price increases to 1.4 $/kg, the cost of using BWTS in IMO mode can increase to $11392, and if it drops to 0.3 $/kg, the cost of using BWTS in IMO mode can decrease to $1826. It is seen that the highest cost can go up to $22066 and the lowest cost can go down to $3983, with the change of fuel prices in the use of BWTS in USCG mode. With the resulting formulation, with the power consumption of the BWTS and the diesel generator shop trail test fuel consumption values, researchers or shipping companies can repeat the calculations for all kinds of different fuels and different amounts of ultraviolet (UV) chambers for variable ballast operations with different ballast tank capacities. Consequently, it is thought that this study is useful in determining the additional operational cost of UV-based BWTSs.

Characteristic and Relative Environmental Risk of Disinfection by Products Associated with Simple Glucose or Naturally Occurring Algal Organic Matter as Tested in Ballast Water Treatment System

To prevent the invasion of alien species, the International Maritime Organization and the United States Costal Guard require that a ballast water management system (BWMS) be installed on ships to treat the ballast water before discharging it. BWMS technologies use active substances, which create disinfection by-products (DBPs) during ballast water treatment. This study compared the characteristics of DBPs generated in the treatment of commercial glucose with those of algal organic matter (AOM) derived from field-collected phytoplankton using NaOCl as the active substance. During the treatment of AOM, a greater variety and higher concentrations of DBPs were generated than for glucose. For AOM in freshwater, bromoform and dibromoacetic acid were dominant because of the bromine ions present in the phytoplankton. During the treatment of glucose, the ratio of the predicted environmental concentration to the predicted no-effect concentration of dibromoacetonitrile and chloropicrin exceeded 1, indicating a potential environmental risk. Whole effluent toxicity (WET) testing showed that the chronic toxicity of phytoplankton and the total DBP concentration were highest in marine water with AOM. In addition, the results of WET testing suggested that the concentrations of haloacetic acids (HAAs) and haloacetonitriles (HANs) were important indicators for the evaluation of environmental risk. Therefore, to evaluate the risk of DBPs in international ports where phytoplankton outbreaks frequently occur, it is important to monitor not only the total DBP concentration but also the total HAA and HAN concentrations.

Some Troubles Caused on BWTS after Installed on New Ships or Retrofitted on In-service Ships

Many ships in service have been started to be retrofitted BWTS (Ballast Water Treatment System) on board the vessel in the world and also new shipbuilding has started to be equipped BWTS with new design and construction for its installation after the regulation, the International Convention for the control and Management of ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 became effective on 8 September 2017. After then, ship owners have experienced some troubles and/or incidents on their BWTS installed or retrofitted in their vessels. This time, some troubles caused on BWTS's in some vessels will be shown in this paper.

バラスト水処理装置の試運転試験におけるサンプリングと分析 - 詳細分析とBWMS試験事例紹介

バラスト水処理装置の試運転試験におけるサンプリングと分析 - 詳細分析とBWMS試験事例紹介

「バラスト水処理装置とバラスト水管理条約の現状」特集号によせて

「バラスト水処理装置とバラスト水管理条約の現状」特集号によせて

A REVIEW ON ORGANISM REGROWTH IN UV-BASED BALLAST WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS FOR THE APPROVAL OF NEW G8 GUIDELINES

In light of urgent need of approval of ballast water management system against the new G8 guidelines, organism regrowth within treated ballast water should be assessed. However, it’s the first time for mandatory demands on the evaluation of organism regrowth in ballast water. For the existances of DNA repair enzymes, UV-based systems have the risks of organisms regrowth after treatment. So far a range of algae and bacteria have been observed the recovery after UV irridation in the simulated ballast water or real ballast water during 1-day to 9-day culture. The target organisms, UV doses, recovery date and regrowth enviroment will be compared in such regrowth experiments. Also, the possible pathways of the regrowth will be discussed in the paper, with the consideration of both light repair and dark repair. Based on the reviews of current researches, the available methods will be explored to inhibit the organism regrowth in the UV-based ballast water treatment systems. For the compliance of the new G8 guidelines, UV-based systems are supposed to be assessed on organism regrowth, and the modificaiton methodologies were suggested for the currently approved UV-based systems to minimize the regrowth risks.