On 8 September the starting gun fires for tens of thousands of vessels in the race for IMO ballast water compliance. Shipowners need to choose their running partners, and quickly, to avoid being barged off track… Simple truths Let’s consider the facts. On 8 September the IMO D2 ballast water compliance deadline comes in to … Read More
OPTIMARIN MAKES THE GRADE FOR USCG SHIPS With the USCG’s latest ballast water management system type approval there are now 20 compliant solutions to select from. But, when it came to sourcing BWT technology for Coast Guard ships themselves, which one made the grade? USCG ballast water regulations are the world’s most stringent. If … Read More
You might think achieving USCG compliance for your vessel is complicated. You may think it requires significant time and investment. Maybe you think it’s impossible? But, if you have one vital component on board, you could achieve it in a matter of minutes… Okay, let’s come clean. All it takes, as Subsea7 recently found out, is … Read More
DON’T MESS WITH THE UNITED STATES Stringent ballast water regulations and enforcement by the U.S. Coast Guard leaves no room for BWMS complacency. Shipowners looking to enter U.S. waters basically have to “shape up or ship out”. “Prior to embarking on a voyage to the United States, shipowners must ensure that they are able to properly … Read More
Only 7.1% of the global fleet has been fitted with ballast water management systems (BWMS), according to data presented by Clarkson Research Services managing director Stephen Gordon at the 12th Annual Maritime HR Conference (May 24, 2018). The low level of take-up of BWMS could be due, in part, to delays in the all-important approvals … Read More
Shipping companies operate in extremely competitive, margin sensitive markets and cash flow control is key to success. When new regulations are introduced, management focus is on balancing income potential, investments and compliance. Sometimes, it becomes necessary to change priorities and anticipate planned installations of e.g. ballast water treatment to take advantage of unexpected opportunities in … Read More