BWTS Breakdown at Berth? Know the Risks Before You Ballast!

 🚢 “BWTS Breakdown at Berth? Know the Risks Before You Ballast!”

❓Three Questions to Spark Curiosity:

1. Can your vessel continue ballast operations if the BWTS is not functioning properly?
2. Are you aware that local authorities—not the owners or charterers—have the final say?
3. Did you know that using saltwater ballast in freshwater ports could land you in serious trouble?

🔍 Clause Breakdown & Implications

“The system should always be used and any problems with it need to be mentioned upfront. Local authorities are the only binding authority to continue ballast or de-ballast operations with a damaged BWTS. Please immediately inform operations / port operations in case of problems to assist you and owners with further action. Obviously, your head owners / technical managers are to be informed as well in order to coordinate repairs or check for options and comply with flag & class requirements. Please consider potential salt-water ballast in case your vessel is instructed to discharge in fresh water ports, where the BWTS does not offer any fresh water mode. Ballast water is to be highlighted to your operator during voyage planning phase.”

⚠️ Key Takeaways

1. Mandatory Use: The Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) must always be operational during ballast or de-ballast operations unless explicitly permitted otherwise.
2. Immediate Notification: If BWTS fails or is not functioning as required:
• Inform Operations / Port Operations immediately.
• Inform Owners/Technical Managers for repair coordination.
• Local Port Authorities must approve any further operation—they are the only legal authority.
3. Freshwater Ballasting Alert: Instructed to discharge at a freshwater port? If BWTS doesn’t support freshwater mode:
• Use salt-water ballast only with operator awareness.
• Flag this in the voyage planning phase to avoid regulatory violations.

⚖️ Why It Matters

• Regulatory Pitfalls: Non-compliance with BWTS operation can result in port detentions, heavy fines, or environmental liabilities.
• Operational Delays: Failure to inform stakeholders or authorities promptly can lead to delays in berthing, offloading, or departure.
• Insurance Impact: A BWTS-related pollution claim may not be covered by P&I if guidelines aren’t followed.

📚 Real Case Example

Case: In 2023, a bulk carrier arriving at a U.S. freshwater port was denied entry as the BWTS didn’t support freshwater mode. The vessel was delayed 3 days, incurred port charges, and had to reroute to another port for compliant discharge—all due to lack of pre-voyage notification.

🛠️ Actionable Steps for Operators & Stakeholders

✅ During Voyage Planning:

• Flag if the port is freshwater and verify BWTS compatibility.
• Discuss alternative ballast plans with charterers/owners.

✅ During Operations:

• Always monitor BWTS functionality.
• Keep a checklist to ensure the system is switched on and logged properly.
• If BWTS fails, immediately notify:
• Port Agent
• Operators
• Head Owners / Technical Managers
• Class & Flag State (via tech managers if required)

✅ Documentation:

• Maintain complete records of all ballast operations and communications.
• Record any deviation and local authority approval in the ballast log and noon reports.

✅ Post Incident:

• Coordinate urgent repairs or dry-dockings if BWTS remains non-operational.
• Update charter party clause records for future negotiations.

🚀 Conclusion: Be Ballast-Wise, Stay Port-Ready!

Remember: “When in doubt, shout!”—Always notify your operator and local port authority before proceeding with ballast operations involving a damaged or incompatible BWTS.

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⚖️ Disclaimer:

This post is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Always refer to flag state regulations, classification societies, and local port authorities for binding guidance. Clause interpretation may vary depending on the charter party and legal jurisdiction involved.