Ballast Water Management (BWM)
Ballast Water Management (BWM) Compliance & Testing
All vessels must comply with the Ballast Water Discharge Standard as defined by the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (IMO BWM Convention, 2004). Compliance is mandatory to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species and to ensure environmental protection.
In practice, this means that vessels must hold a valid International Ballast Water Management Certificate, issued by a classification society acting as a Recognised Organisation (RO) on behalf of the flag administration. Eurofins Maritime Services supports shipowners and operators throughout this process, including commissioning testing and compliance verification.
Which Vessels Must Comply?
The BWM Convention applies to all ships designed or constructed to carry ballast water, unless:
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The vessel operates exclusively within the waters of a single Party to the Convention
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A formal exemption has been granted (in accordance with Article 3 and Regulations A-3 and A-4 of the Convention)
Compliance Timeline – D-2 Standard
The BWM Convention entered into force on 8 September 2017. Key compliance milestones include:
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New vessels (built on or after 8 September 2017): must comply with D-2 standards
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Existing vessels (built before 8 September 2017): must comply with D-2 standards at the first IOPP renewal survey after 8 September 2019
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All vessels: full compliance with D-2 standards required by 8 September 2024
BWMS Type Approval & Commissioning
Although most Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS) have obtained type approval, ambient water conditions vary significantly worldwide. As a result, no single BWMS is suitable for all operational environments.
Together with our strategic partners, Eurofins has conducted and continues to conduct type approvals for a wide range of BWMS. We support shipowners with:
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Independent advice on BWMS selection
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Commissioning testing in line with regulatory requirements
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Verification that systems perform correctly under operational conditions
Why Choose Eurofins?
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Extensive experience in BWMS type approval and commissioning testing
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Independent, technically sound assessments
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Support aligned with IMO and class requirements
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Flexible deployment – surveyors available 24/7 worldwide
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One partner from planning to certification support
Our professional and dedicated team works closely with shipowners, managers and yards to ensure smooth planning and execution. By scheduling commissioning testing in time, Eurofins helps you avoid delays, reduce risk and achieve compliance with confidence.
Eurofins Maritime Services – your trusted partner for Ballast Water Management compliance and testing worldwide.
