TLC–BWM Ballast Water Management: Supply and Installation

1. What is the BWM Convention?

BWM refers to the Ballast Water Management Convention.

Its full name is the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004.

To limit the transfer of aquatic organisms and pathogens in ships’ ballast water, protect marine ecosystems, human health and economic activities, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments ( BWM 2004 ) on 13 February 2004. It entered into force on 8 September 2017. Ships within its scope must have a ship-specific approved ballast water management plan and maintain a ballast water record book, subject to applicable exceptions and exemptions. Ballast water management must follow the ship’s approved plan and applicable standard. Exchange and treatment are different compliance measures; exchange alone does not replace D-2 compliance once that standard applies.

The BWM Convention entered into force on 8 September 2017 and introduced significant requirements for Vietnam’s international trading fleet.

The following is the historical implementation timetable under regulation B-3. The phased D-2 compliance deadline for existing ships ended on 8 September 2024; the applicable ship-specific date and exemptions must be checked:

New ships constructed on or after 8 September 2017: comply with D-2 when entering service.

Existing ships whose previous IOPP renewal survey took place between 8 September 2014 and 7 September 2017: comply at the first relevant IOPP renewal survey after 8 September 2017.

Other existing ships: comply at the second relevant IOPP renewal survey after 8 September 2017, or the first such renewal on or after 8 September 2019, whichever comes first.

Existing ships not subject to an IOPP renewal survey: comply by the date specified by the Administration, no later than 8 September 2024.

Ships of 400 gross tonnage and above within the certification requirements generally need an International Ballast Water Management Certificate under the BWM Convention, subject to the Convention’s exceptions. Historical references include Vietnam Register document 4281/ĐKVN-QP of 16 September 2016 and technical notice 033TI/16TB of 20 September 2016 for initial approval and survey arrangements; these are historical references.

2. Conditions for ballast water exchange

Where ballast water exchange is the applicable measure, regulation B-4 provides for exchange at least 200 nautical miles from the nearest land and in water at least 200 metres deep where possible. Where this cannot be met, the alternative is at least 50 nautical miles from land and 200 metres deep, or an area designated in accordance with the Convention. Ship safety and the approved plan remain relevant.

3. TLC–BWM supply and installation service

a. Service scope

To support shipowners in implementing ballast water management requirements, ITVC Global offers a TLC–BWM system supply and installation service . The proposed work covers:

Step 1: Advise on equipment selection to suit technical requirements and the investment budget.

Step 2: Review relevant engine-room arrangement drawings and piping documentation.

Step 3: Survey the ship and develop the 3D design.

Step 4: Prepare the cost estimate.

Step 5: Prepare documents and drawings for the shipowner’s review and the required classification or Administration approval.

Step 6: Prepare materials, equipment and installation methods.

Step 7: Install the ballast water treatment system and any associated equipment included in the scope.

Step 8: Inspect, test and commission the equipment, including sea trials where required.

b. Indicative schedule

• The indicative proposal gives an overall programme of 20–26 weeks. This is indicative and must be confirmed with the detailed schedule.
• Preparation, steps 1–6: approximately 20–22 weeks.
• Installation, completion and handover, steps 7–8: approximately 4–6 weeks.
• The indicative proposal allows 4–6 weeks out of service for installation in dock. Any overlap between phases, availability and the actual downtime must be agreed for each ship.

c. TLC–BWM system overview

ITVC’s earlier service arrangements identified ITVC Global as a first-tier distributor for Thao Linh Marine Technology Development Co., Ltd., the manufacturer and installer of the TLC–BWM system, with Vietnam Register type approval reported for that system. For a new project, confirm the current manufacturer relationship, exact model, valid approval certificate, operating limits and acceptance by the vessel’s flag Administration and classification society.

4. Ballast water management system configuration

Ballast water management system configuration.

4.1. Self-cleaning filter

• Automatic cleaning when the filter screen becomes fouled.
• Automatic cleaning at scheduled intervals.

Filter components: position sensor, motor, backwash valve, wastewater outlet, pressure sensor, water inlet, water outlet and suction nozzle.

4.2. UV reactor

UV-intensity distribution in the reactor is modelled using simulation software during design.

• Automatic cleaning when the UV components become fouled.
• Automatic cleaning at scheduled intervals.

UV reactor and intensity simulation: water inlet, water outlet, UV cleaning piston and UV intensity distribution. Lamp distribution radius: 6.5 cm.

4.3. Monitoring and control panel

• Automatic system operation.
• Control and monitoring functions are displayed on a touchscreen HMI with operator interfaces.
• Operating parameters, modes and system status are updated and stored. The reference specification states retention for more than 24 months and cites the former G8 guidelines, MEPC.174(58); confirm the approved system’s current documentation and applicable BWMS Code requirements.

5. Main operating modes

5.1. Ballasting

During ballasting, seawater passes through both the filter and the UV reactor, with both treatment stages operating.

5.2. Deballasting

During discharge, ballast water passes through the UV reactor again. Treatment performance depends on the approved design, water conditions, operating limits and maintenance; this is not a claim of complete sterilisation of every bacterium and virus.

5.3. System cleaning

Port and river water may contain significant contamination. Deposits on filter screens and UV components can dry and impair performance. The system provides a CLEANING SYSTEM mode using cleaner seawater offshore to wash the filter and UV reactor and discharge overboard. Operation and discharge must follow the approved manual and applicable requirements.

Related project:

Completion of TLC–BWM 250Ex installation on Royal 79

References

IMO — implementing the BWM Convention

IMO — Convention, guidelines and BWMS Code