The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has updated its ballast water treatment guide in order to help marine and offshore industries in adopting relevant solutions according to new regulatory and operational requirements.
The updated ABS Guide for Ballast Water Treatment also aims to assist in the design and installation of International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) new ballast water management requirements, which will become effective by next September.
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ABS global marine executive vice-president Kirsi Tikka said: “As vessel owners and operators prepare for the implementation of the recently ratified IMO Ballast Water Management Convention, they need guidance from a trusted advisor like ABS.
“Our team of technical specialists is ready to assist them with addressing this compliance in support of their unique operational challenges.
“The update to the guide comes just as industry is addressing the technical challenges brought about by this convention.”
According to the new IMO requirements, vessels will have to use approved ballast water management systems.
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By GlobalDataAs well as offering guidance on the new IMO requirements, the improved guide includes changes that clarify requirements for hazardous area installations and safety practices for vessels.
It also includes the necessity of the US Coast Guard type approvals, addresses installations of ballast water treatment solutions on tugs, barges and mobile offshore drilling units, and features additional verification requirements for administration type approval certification.
ABS also provides a ballast water management technology evaluation service to help vessel owners with installation requirements, technical functionality, design parameters, performance and operability of different ballast water management systems.
Image: The new IMO requirements mandate vessels to use approved ballast water management systems. Photo: courtesy of ABS.
