New implementation schedule for the installation of a BWTS on board existing ships

11 July 2017 |  C17031

The MEPC 71 – concluded last week – has approved a revise implementation schedule for the installation of a ballast water treatment system (BWTS) on board existing ships as required by Regulation D-2 of the BWM Convention.  Ships constructed on or after 08/09/2017 must still comply with the installation of a BWTS upon delivery.

NOTICE TO
Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators | Flag Administrations | Surveyors

As already been informed through Dromon Circular C16022, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) will enter into force on 08/09/2017.  Up until last week existing ships, constructed (keel laid date) before 08/09/2017 shall comply with Regulation D-2 (i.e. installation of a BWTS) at the first renewal MARPOL/IOPP survey after the date of entry into force.

Following MEPC 71, a revision of Regulation B-3 of the BWM Convention has been agreed changing the installation schedule of BWTS (Regulation D-2) on board existing ships constructed (keel laid date) before 08/09/2017.  Herewith below are the new requirements that supersede the implementation schedule adopted by IMO Resolution A.1088(28).

New ships / Ships constructed (keel laid date) after 08/09/2017:

This implementation schedule remains the same therefore, new ships must comply with Regulation D-2 and install on board an approved BWTS on delivery.

Existing ships / Ships constructed (keel laid date) before 08/09/2017:

Existing ships must comply with Regulation D-2 and install an approved BWTS on board on the first renewal MARPOL/IOPP survey after 08/09/2017 if:

• the renewal MARPOL/IOPP survey is completed on or after 08/09/2019; or
• a renewal MARPOL/IOPP survey is completed on or after 08/09/2014 but before 08/09/2017.

This means that if your ship has undergone a renewal MARPOL/IOPP survey between 08/09/2014 to 08/09/2017 must be installed with an approved BWTS at the first MARPOL/IOPP survey due after 08/09/2017.

Existing ships must comply with Regulation D-2 and install an approved BWTS on board on the second renewal MARPOL/IOPP survey after 08/09/2017 if:

• the first renewal MARPOL/IOPP survey after 08/09/2017 is completed before 08/09/2019; and
• if the conditions to complete at the first renewal IOPP (outlined above) are not met.

This means that if your ship will undergo a renewal MARPOL/IOPP survey between 08/09/2017 to 08/09/2019 this shall not be de harmonized in order for the ship to be installed with an approved BWTS at the second MARPOL/IOPP survey after 08/09/2017.

Existing ships that MARPOL/IOPP survey does not apply:

For existing oil tankers of less than 150 GT and other ships of less than 400 GT, that the MARPOL/IOPP survey is not applicable shall comply with the installation of a BWTS no later than 08/09/2024 or from a date decided by the flag State Administration.

Ship calling USA:

For ships that trade or call USA, the applicable USCG implementation schedule remains the same.

Graphical representation of the BWTS installation schedule:

Here you can find a graphical representation of the revised implementation schedule for the installation of an approved BWTS (Regulation D-2) on board ships.

Act now

Ship owners/ managers must review the new implementation schedule and comply accordingly.