Is Your Ballast Water Treatment System Compliant?

Since the most recent ratification of the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC), all ships traveling in international waters must maintain their ballast water and sediments to certain standards. A method of controlling and eliminating the transfer of harmful marine organisms and pathogens is required with a ballast water treatment system. The ballast water treatment technologies must meet US Coast Guard standards and is enforceable by the Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) a division of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). 

The most recent ratification of a majority of states makes the BWMC enforceable globally with compliant ballast water management systems required on all newly constructed vessels with an implementation scale applying to existing ships. Port State authorities have the right to inspect all vessels for verification of a valid certificate, a ballast water record book and verification of an approved ballast water treatment plan. Port State control officers also have the right to sample a ship’s ballast water to verify an acceptable level of sediments and organisms.

Ballast Water Treatment Technologies

There are a few different methods used to treat ballast water such as chemical use involving chlorination, physical methods such as filtration and ultraviolet (UV) radiation technology.  Chemical use requires the purchase and storing of a large amount of chemicals as well as maintaining the system for effectiveness. Chemicals may cause additional problems with polluting the water and may require additional sanitation steps.

Filtration may catch some harmful organisms such as jellyfish or mussels which can wreak havoc when invading foreign ports although will not catch all toxins, bacteria and viruses. UV technology involves the use of specially designed UVC germicidal lamps which emit precisely the right amount of UV radiation at the proper wavelength.  UV lamps instantly eradicate harmful bacteria and viruses at 254 nm by penetrating the DNA of harmful microorganisms and rendering them unable to replicate.

UV lamps are proven effective in many water treatment systems as well as commercial and industrial air purification applications.  UV ballast water treatment systems are compliant with all regulations, are cost effective and easy to maintain. Be sure to work with an experienced UV lamp supplier for effective sterilization with maximum energy efficiency.

LightSources Offers UVC Germicidal Lamps

The LightSources Group is a leading global supplier and recognized authority on UV lamps and lighting solutions. We offer a wide selection of UV lamps designed for a multitude of applications, including UVC germicidal lamps proven in water and air sterilization applications. We deliver first to market, patented products designed from skilled engineers with an in-depth understanding of UV radiation.

LightSources offers the widest selection of UV lamps and UVC germicidal solutions with custom-designed options available. We partner with OEMs large and small including developers of ballast water treatment systems, to deliver high-performance, long-lasting UV lamp solutions. Contact us to learn more about maintaining a compliant ballast water treatment system with UV lamp technology.