What is Ballast Water?

In ships, ballast water is seawater contained in a separate tank that makes up about 30-35% of the ship’s carrying capacity. It is used to maintain stability and improve maneuverability while the ship is in a light condition during navigation.

By taking in ballast water, ships around the world aim to submerge the rudder propeller, reduce the exposed hull area, establish stable balance, assist with propulsion and maneuverability, and reduce stresses on the hull.

Why Must Ballast Water be Managed?

Ballast water is taken on and discharged back into the sea depending on the ship’s condition. When ships move across oceans, the process of filling and emptying ballast water can endanger aquatic environments and disrupt ecological balance.

To prevent or minimize these ecological disruptions and aquatic invasions, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented a management plan.

Should Ballast Water be Treated?

Since ballast water often exceeds the standards set by the “International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments,” adopted by the IMO in 2004, ballast water must be treated, and its compliance with these limits should be verified through analysis.

In ballast water analysis, both the control of microbiological loads and the impact of chemicals used in treatment systems should be monitored. Care must be taken to prevent chemical pollution while avoiding microbiological invasions of marine waters.

Ballast water treatment methods include physical and chemical treatment techniques. As Testmer, we are here to assist you with ballast water analysis and reporting, just as we do with other water analyses.