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Last update: 2026/06/02
Amendments to Ballast Water Management Record Book and Ballast Water Management Plan
Several resolutions and circulars related to amendments to the Ballast Water Management Convention were issued by the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee at its 80th Session (MEPC 80) held from 3 July to 7 July 2023 and its 81st Session (MEPC 81) held from 18 March to 22 March 2024. 1. Ballast Water Management Record Book (BWRB) Amendments to the form used for BWRB set out in Appendix II of the Ballast Water Management Convention (Attachment 1: MEPC.369(80)) and a guidance providing sample entries of an amended BWRB (Attachment 2: BWM.2/Circ.80) have been adopted. On or after the effective date, the amended BWRB must be used to record ballast water management in accordance with this guidance. EffectiveSummary of the outcomes of MEPC 80
The eightieth session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80) was held from 3 to 7 July 2023. A summary of the discussions and the decisions taken at MEPC 80 is provided as below for your information. 1. Greenhouse Gases (GHG) (1) The 2023 IMO Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships The 2023 IMO Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships (2023 IMO GHG Strategy) was adopted at this session. The Initial IMO Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships, adopted in 2018, envisages to improve transportation efficiency by setting levels of ambition as shown in the following table. The Strategy is subject to a review every five years. (To be continued)Summary of the outcomes of MEPC 78
The seventy-eighth session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 78) was held from 6 to 10 June 2022. A summary of the discussions and the decisions taken at MEPC 78 is provided as below for your information. 1.Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emission reduction measures Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to address global warming is a universal challenge, and the measures to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping have been deliberated at IMO. IMO has introduced the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) and the Data Collection System for fuel oil consumption of ships (DCS) so far. Further, the Initial IMO Strategy on the reduction of GHG emissions from ships, which includes theSummary of the outcomes of MEPC 77
The seventy-seventh session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 77) was held from 22 to 26 November 2021. A summary of the discussions and the decisions taken at MEPC 77 is provided as below for your information. 1. Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emission reduction measures Measures to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping have been deliberated at IMO, and so far, the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) and the Data Collection System for fuel oil consumption of ships (DCS) were introduced. Further, at MEPC 72 held in April 2018, the Initial IMO Strategy on the reduction of GHG emissions from ships, which includes the emission reduction target and the candidate measures to reduceSampling analysis at commissioning tests for ballast water management systems (rev.1)
Information about the sampling analysis of ballast water at commissioning tests for BWMS has already been issued as ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1199 (dated on 21 February 2020). At the 77th session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC77) held from 22 to 26 November 2021, a Unified Interpretation was approved to interpret that the sampling analysis of individual BWMS should be conducted when BWM surveys (including verification of BWMS installation) are completed on or after 1 June 2022. In the case of new ships, it should be noted this requirement applies to ships for which the date of delivery is on or after 1 June 2022. Furthermore, it should be noted that even when the ship has a Statement of Fact on installation of BWMS, thSummary of the outcomes of MEPC 75
The seventy-fifth session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 75) was held from 16 to 20 November 2020 as a web conference due to the pandemic of COVID-19. A summary of the discussions and the decisions taken at MEPC 75 is provided as below for your information. 1. Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emission reduction measures Measures to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping have been deliberated at IMO and the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) and the Data Collection System for fuel oil consumption of ships (DCS) have been introduced so far. Further, at MEPC 72 held in 2018, the Initial IMO Strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships, which includes the emission reductionSampling analysis at the commissioning tests of Ballast Water Management Systems (Panama)
Information about the instructions received from various flag state administrations related to the early implementation of commissioning tests for BWMS has already sent out as ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1199 (dated on 21 February 2020). For Panamanian-flagged ships, in accordance with paragraph 3.8 of the Merchant Marine Circular No.345 (MMC-345), indicative analysis testing for treated ballast water is to be conducted at commissioning test of BWMS. In this regard, the Panamanian Administration has advised that it considers the indicative analysis testing mentioned in MMC-345 to be only recommendatory requirement (not mandatory). According to the Panamanian Administration, paragraph 3.8 of the MMC-345 is now in the process of being amended. So,Sampling analysis at the commissioning test of Ballast Water Management System
Commissioning test to verify the proper operation of equipment shall be carried out at the installation of any Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS) in accordance with paragraph 8 of the Guidelines for Approval of Ballast Water Management Systems (G8) or Code for Approval of Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS Code). MEPC 74 (May 2019) has approved a draft amendment to the Ballast Water Management Convention to conduct commissioning test so as to demonstrate through representative sampling and indicative analysis that a BWMS is working properly, and this amendment is expected to be adopted at MEPC 75 (April 2020). In this regard, ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1193 related to the instruction of early implementation to conduct sampling analysis byBallast Water Management Convention for Singapore-flagged ships
We have revised the previous ClassNK Technical information No.TEC-1189 (dated 6 September 2019) related to the commissioning testing of ballast water management systems (BWMS) and the incorporation of contingency measures into ballast water management plans (BWMP) for Singapore-flagged ships. This Technical Information supersedes the previous ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1189. 1. Commissioning Testing of Ballast Water Management Systems (Shipping Circular No. 09 of 2019) Commissioning testing to verify the proper operation of equipment shall be carried out at the installation of any BWMS in accordance with paragraph 8 of the Guidelines for Approval of Ballast Water Management Systems (G8) or Code for Approval of Ballast Water Management SystThis Technical Information became null and void on 23 Oct 2019.
Ballast Water Management Convention for Singapore-flagged ships
Please be informed that the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has recently issued shipping circulars related to the commissioning testing of ballast water management systems (BWMS) and the incorporation of contingency measures into ballast water management plans (BWMP). 1. Commissioning Testing of Ballast Water Management Systems (Shipping Circular No. 09 of 2019) Commissioning testing to verify the proper operation of equipment shall be carried out at the installation of any BWMS in accordance with paragraph 8 of the Guidelines for Approval of Ballast Water Management Systems (G8) (MEPC.174(58) or MEPC.279(70)). MEPC 74 has approved a draft amendment to the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) to conduct commissioning testing so as to deBallast Water Management Convention for Panama flagged ships (Revision)
We have updated the instruction about the validity of "Statement for Ballast Water Management Plan" issued by Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) and the procedures to apply the full term certificate to PMA which were introduced by the previous ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1108 dated 2 May 2017 as shown below. Revision/ modification parts are underlined parts. For more details, please refer to the attached latest version of Merchant Marine Circular MMC-345. This Technical Information supersedes the previous ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1108. 1. Examination of Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) (1) BWMP should take into account IMO Resolution MEPC.127(53)(*1) and be approved by Panama Maritime Authority. (BWM Plans are required to beIntroduction to the outcomes of MEPC 72
The seventy-second session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 72) was held at the IMO in London, U.K. from 9 to 13 April 2018. Since the minutes, resolutions and circulars of the meeting were recently released from the IMO, a summary of the decisions taken at MEPC 72 is provided as below for your information. 1. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions Countermeasures against the GHG emissions from international shipping have been deliberated at IMO, and so far, the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) have been implemented. At MEPC 70, amendments to MARPOL Annex VI to include the Data Collection System for fuel oil consumption of ships as a measure to further improve the energy efficiencyGuidance for vessels with inoperable ballast water management systems bound for US ports
Although the United States is not signatory to BWM Convention, vessels discharging ballast water into the waters of the U.S. are to comply with the requirements of 33 CFR 151 Subparts C & D. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued CG-CVC Policy Letter 18-02 that gives guidance on evaluating potential courses of action when a vessel bound for a U.S. port has an inoperable ballast water management system (BWMS). A vessel that HAS passed its compliance date and has an inoperable BWMS may use one of the following BWM methods outlines in 33 CFR 151.2025(a). - Use and discharge ballast water obtained exclusively from a U.S. Public Water System (PWS); - Perform complete Ballast Water Exchange (BWE) in an area 200 nautical miles from any shore; - Do nPeriodical Survey in advance of Survey Window
With entry into force of "International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004", IOPP and/or BWM Certificate (issued by some flag states) may be de-harmonized from Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC). In this case, the ship owners may be required to arrange periodical surveys twice a year, if the survey window of the de-harmonized IOPP and/or BWM Certificate does not overlap enough with the one of other statutory certificates including SC Certificate. As a way to reduce such burden to arrange periodical surveys twice a year, the owners can carry out periodical surveys in advance of the survey window and amend the anniversary date. By amending Anniversary Date, it would become easier to arIntroduction to the outcomes of MEPC 71
A summary of the decision taken at the seventieth session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 71) held from 3 to 7 July 2017 is provided as below for your information. 1. Ballast Water Management Convention Ballast Water Management Convention was adopted in 2004 in order to prevent the adverse effects to the marine environment caused by the transfer of ballast water. The Convention requires ships to conduct ballast water exchange offshore (Regulation D-1) or through Ballast Water Management Systems which meet the standard for the discharge of ballast water (Regulation D-2). The Convention entered into force on 8 September 2017 since Finland has ratified the Convention on 8 September 2016 and the conditions for entry into force been satBallast Water Management method when operating in the waters of the United States
Although the United States is not signatory to BWM Convention, vessels discharging ballast water into the waters of the U.S. are to comply with the requirements of 33 CFR 151 Subparts C & D. Recently, the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse has received a number of reports indicating that untreated ballast water exchanges had been undertaken by vessels beyond their compliance date and without a valid Coast Guard extension. Masters, owners/operators, agents and persons-in-charge are reminded vessels beyond their compliance date are to employ one of the following Ballast Water Management methods when operating in the waters of the United States: - Use a U.S. type-approved BWMS to meet the discharge standard; - Use and discharge ballast water obtaClassNK Guidelines on the Installation of Ballast Water Treatment Systems and Class Notation "BWTS"
So far, the Guidelines on the Installation of Ballast Water Treatment Systems have played a role in publicizing information on our technical standards, prior to the entry into force of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship's Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (hereinafter referred to as "convention"), by prescribing technical requirements concerning installation of the Ballast Water Management System and the type-approval. With the convention entering into force on 8 September 2017, however, the Guidelines will become ineffective since the stipulations are incorporated into the newly established Rules for Ballast Water Management Installations and the revised relevant rules of ClassNK. The Class Notation "BWTS" (hereinafter reRe-coupling the decoupled IOPP (International Oil Pollution Prevention) Certificate Renewal Survey
Implementation date for Ballast Water Management Systems according to Ballast Water Management Convention is explained in ClassNK Technical Information No. 1116. Noting the above requirement, some Administrations issued circulars to inform their position on recoupling the IOPP Certificate Renewal Survey, where IOPP renewal survey was completed before 8 September 2014 and its next renewal survey was completed independently from other certificates on or after 8 September 2014. The above mentioned circulars are available on our website. As we receive other circulars of flag Administrations, they will be uploaded on the same page. (To be continued)Extension for the implementation deadline for Ballast Water Management System and Initial survey for the Ballast Water Management Convention
As previously informed in ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-1085, No. TEC-1086 and, No. TEC-1113, Ballast Water Management Convention (Hereinafter referred to "the Convention") will enter into force on 8 September 2017. This is to inform you that the implementation deadline for Ballast Water Management System has been changed at MEPC71. (To be continued)Initial survey for the Ballast Water Management Convention (Reminder)
As previously informed in ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1085 and No.TEC-1086, Ballast Water Management Convention (Hereinafter referred to "the Convention") will enter into force on 8 September 2017. All ships of 400 gross tonnage and above to which the Convention survey applies should have International Ballast Water Management Certificate for the BWM Convention (Hereinafter referred to "the Certificate") on board by the date of entry into force. Accordingly, ClassNK has launched to issue the Certificate following an initial survey subject to the authorization from Administration. For ships not entitled to fly the flag of a Party but which operate under the authority of a Party, ClassNK carries out surveys and issues Statement of Compliance inTreatment for Ballast Water Management Convention for Liberia flagged ships
Regarding the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship's Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (Hereinafter referred to "the BWM Convention"), Liberia Maritime Authority published MARINE OPERATIONS NOTE 02/2017. A summary of MARINE OPERATIONS NOTE 02/2017 is as below. 1. Ships implementing only the Ballast Water Exchange (BWE) standard in Regulation D-1; The Administration will review and approve BWM Plans and issue IBWM Certificates. BWM Plans already approved and IBWM Certificates already issued by an authorized Recognized Organization's (RO) prior to 22 April 2017 will continue to remain valid until they expire or the ship implements the ballast water performance standard in regulation D-2, whichever is earlier. 2. Ships implemThis Technical Information became null and void on 2 Oct 2018.
Treatment for Ballast Water Management Convention (Revision) for Panama flagged ships
Instructions from Panama Maritime Authority regarding the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship's Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (Hereinafter referred to "the BWM Convention") were announced in ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-1104 dated 13 March 2017. Since the amendments to Merchant Marine Circular MMC-345 have been published as attached, the Technical Information is revised as described below. This Technical Information supersedes previous ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC.1104. Revision/ modification parts are underlined parts. 1. Examination of Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) (1) BWMP should take into account IMO Resolution MEPC.127(53) (*1) and be approved by Panama Maritime Authority. (BWM Plans are reqAdditional Ballast Water Management System Extension Program Update regarding USCG ballast water management
United States Coast Guard (USCG) has announced the approval of the Coast Guard type approved Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) and published Marine Safety Information Bulletin (14-16) regarding Ballast Water Management System Extension Program December 2017. (For details, please refer to ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1099) USCG also published a further announcement (Marine Safety Information Bulletin, March 6, 2017 (OES-MSIB Number: 003/17). The main contents are as below. 1. The length of compliance date extension is based on vessel's compliance date as follows. (1) Vessels having a compliance date before and including 31 December 2018: - Vessel owners and operators who have identified that a BWMS is available for a vessel but do not haveThis Technical Information became null and void on 2 May 2017.
Treatment for Ballast Water Management Convention for Panama flagged ships
Regarding the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship's Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (Hereinafter referred to "the BWM Convention"), Panama Maritime Authority published Merchant Marine Circular MMC-345. A summary of MMC-345 is as below. 1. Examination of Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) (1) BWMP should take into account IMO Resolution MEPC.127(53) (*1) and be approved by Panama Maritime Authority. (BWM Plans are required to be approved by the Panama Maritime Authority, even if the BWM Plans were approved by Recognized Organizations.) Application for approval will be accepted from 15 March 2017 and Statement of Fact, valid for three (3) months, will be issued upon receipt of BWMP. http://certificates.amp.gob.pa/certifiIntroduction to the outcomes of MEPC 70
A summary of the decision taken at the seventieth session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 70) held from 24 to 28 October 2016 is provided as below for your information. 1. Ballast Water Management Convention Ballast Water Management Convention was adopted in 2004 in order to prevent the adverse effects to the marine environment caused by the transfer of ballast water. The Convention will require ships to conduct ballast water exchange offshore or through Ballast Water Management Systems which meet the standard for the discharge of ballast water. The Convention will enter into force on 8 September 2017 since Finland ratified the Convention on 8 September 2016 and the conditions for entry into force were satisfied. (1) Status of rBallast Water Management System Extension Program Update regarding USCG ballast water management
United States Coast Guard (USCG) has already published the Policy Letter regarding the provision to grant extension to the implementation schedule for approved ballast water management methods as provided in 33CFR151 Subparts C and D. (Please refer to ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1056) USCG published Marine Safety Information Bulletin (14-16) announced the approval of the first Coast Guard type approved Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) and stated that any owner/operator requesting an extension must provide USCG with an explicit statement supported by documentary evidence that installation of the type approved system is not possible for purposes of compliance with the regulatory implementation schedule. The main contents for extension are asDe-harmonization of the IOPP (International Oil Pollution Prevention) Certificate Renewal Survey
As informed by ClassNK Technical Information No. 1085, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship's Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) will enter into force on 8 September 2017 and according to IMO Resolution A.1088(28), the implementation deadline for the existing ships to conduct ballast water exchange through Ballast Water Management Systems is the first renewal survey associated with the IOPP Certificate after 8 September 2017. Considering the above and the Harmonized System of Survey & Certification (HSSC), the following flag Administrations issue circulars to inform their position that the IOPP Certificate Renewal Survey may be conducted independently. Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Germany, Gibraltar, IInitial survey for the Ballast Water Management Convention after satisfaction the requirements for entry into force of the Convention
As previously informed in ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-1085, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship's Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (Hereinafter referred to "the BWM Convention") satisfied the requirements for entry into force on 8 September 2016. This means that the BWM Convention will officially enter into force one year later on 8 September 2016. Although the installation of Ballast Water Management System (Hereinafter referred to "BWMS") (Regulation D-2 of the BWM Convention) which satisfy the relevant Ballast water performance standard will be required according to the compliance schedule for BWMS after the BWM Convention enters into force, the use of Ballast water exchange standard (Regulation D-1 of the BWMAn entry-into-force of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention)
This is to inform you that the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) will enter into force on 8 September 2017. Finland ratified the Convention on 8 September 2016 and the total number of contracting States to the BWM Convention has reached 52, representing 35.1441% of the world merchant shipping tonnage, which satisfies the condition of entry into force threshold of 30 States, representing 35% of the world merchant shipping tonnage. The BWM Convention was adopted in 2004 in order to prevent the adverse effects to the maritime environment caused by the transfer of ballast water. On or after 8 September 2017 and prior to the implementation deadline for Ballast Water Management SystPolicy Letter for extension of implementation schedule for approved ballast water management methods (Revision 2) required according to USCG requirements
United States Coast Guard (USCG) has already published the Policy Letter regarding the provision to grant extension to the implementation schedule for approved ballast water management methods for vessels using USCG approved ballast water management systems as provided in 33CFR151.1513 and 151.2036. On 16 November 2015, USCG published the attached new Policy Letter, therefore, the terms of extension of implementation schedule is revised. This new Policy Letter is includes the contents of Marine Safety Information Bulletin published by USCG (Please refer to our Technical information TEC No.1055). Details can be referred to the attached new Policy Letter. In conclusion, notable information of revised new Policy Letter are as follows: 1. An explanationAdditional information regarding USCG ballast water management regulation
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued the rule with regard to obligation of installation of ballast water management system for the vessels engaged in U.S. waters. The rule is entitled as "Standards for Living Organisms in Ship's Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters", Vol.77, Federal Register Reg.17254, on 23 March 2012 (Please refer to our Technical information TEC No.0903). New vessels (those constructed on or after December 1, 2013) must install ballast water management system on delivery, and for the existing vessels (other than "the new vessels") it shall be installed by the "first scheduled drydocking" after 1 January 2014 or 1 January 2016 as applicable. In relation to the above, on 25 September 2013, USCG published the Policy letter rApplication method and additional information of extension of implementation of USCG ballast water management regulation
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued the rule with regard to obligation of installation of ballast water management system for the vessels engaged in U.S. waters. The rule is entitled as "Standards for Living Organisms in Ship's Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters", Vol.77, Federal Register Reg.17254, on 23 March 2012 (Please refer our Technical information TEC No.0903). Relating to the above, on 25 September 2013, USCG published the Policy letter regarding the provision to grant an extension to the implementation schedule for ballast water management discharge standards for vessels using USCG approved ballast water management systems as provided in 33CFR151.1513 and 151.2036.（Please refer our Technical information TEC No.0971）. On 10 SepteIntroduction to the Outcomes of MEPC65
A summary of the decisions taken at the sixty-fifth session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC65) held from 13 to 17 May 2013 is provided as below for your information. 1. Ballast Water Management Convention Ballast Water Management Convention was adopted in 2004 in order to prevent the adverse effects to the maritime environment caused by the transfer of ballast water. The Convention will enter into force 12 months after ratification by 30 states, representing 35% of the world merchant shipping tonnage. With Germany ratifying the Convention on 20 June 2013, the number of member countries has reached 37 countries representing 30.32% of the world merchant fleet tonnage. As of now, the Convention has not come into effect. Upon the enforAlternate Management Systems based on USCG "Standards for Living Organisms in Ship's Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters" (Obligation of installation of ballast water management system for the vessels engaged in U.S. waters)
Regarding the rule, being informed by ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-0903, related to obligation of installation of ballast water management system for the vessels engaged in U.S. waters, which is entitled as "Standards for Living Organisms in Ship's Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters", Vol.77, Federal Register Reg.17254 effective on 21 June 2012,this is to notify that a list of foreign type-approved ballast water treatment systems of which the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has accepted as "Alternate Management Systems (AMS)", has been released. AMS is accepted by USCG as a temporary measure to accept a ballast water management system which is approved by IMO, because the approval of USCG is supposed to take long term. A list of AMS, continui"Evaluating a Vessel's Ballast Water Management Plan" published by USCG and introduction of Fouling and Sediment Management
The rule with regard to obligation of installation of ballast water management system for the vessels engaged in U.S. waters has already entered into force by United States Coast Guard (USCG). The rule is entitled as "Standards for Living Organisms in Ship's Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters". Please refer to ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-0903 about detail of this rule. According to this rule, the vessels engaged in U.S. Waters are to be provided Ballast Water Management Plan. This time, USCG published "Evaluating a Vessel's Ballast Water Management Plan" so we will inform following matters. From this evaluation, contents of Ballast Water Management Plan are almost the same as required by Ballast Water Management Convention. In addition to tThis Technical Information became null and void on 17 May 2017.