A STUDY ON SELECTION OF BALLAST WATER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES TO MEET BWM 2004 CONVENTION

Ballast water is essential for ship operation. However, it also carries potential risks of contamination and disease transmission. The Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) was introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to minimize the transfer of pathogenic microorganisms to ecologically sensitive marine areas, through ballast of ocean-going ships. Therefore, thorough research and analysis of ballast water treatment technologies are essential. This paper summarizes the existing technologies applied for ballast water treatment. These technologies can be port-based or ship-based, with the latter being easier to implement. Particular attention is given to onboard processing methods, which can be classified as physical separation, mechanical or chemical methods. This work describes recent ballast water treatment studies from the scientific and academic communities since the last IMO Convention in 2004, and the treatment methods that have been approved by the IMO substantially and ultimately. We have examined the various methods currently available in scientific means for ballast water treatment and we conclude that standardization of ballast water treatment still has to be done to ensure IMO Standards.