ClassNK revised the Rules for BWM Installations

The Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) has published the revised Rules for Ballast Water Management Installations/Guidance.

This document has been published on 28 June 2023 and became effective on 1 July 2023.

Application of the Rules

These Rules are applicable to installations that control and manage the ballast water and sediments of ships classified or intended to be classified with ClasNK.

These ships should fall under Chapter 2 of the Regulations for the Classification and Registry of Ships and should be registered as ballast water management installations under Chapter 3 of the same regulations.

However, there are exceptions to the application of the Rules. They do not apply to the following types of ships:

a) Ships not designed or constructed to carry ballast water.

b) Ships that operate exclusively in waters under the jurisdiction of the Flag State, if permitted by the Flag Administration.

c) Ships that operate exclusively in waters under the jurisdiction of a State other than the Flag State, if permitted by the Administration of that State.

d) Ships that operate in waters under the jurisdiction of a State other than the Flag State and on the high seas, if permitted by the Administration of that State.

e) Ships owned or operated by a State and used solely for non-commercial government service.

f) Ships that are not required to discharge or permanently carry ballast water.

In cases where there are special reasons for not complying with any requirements of the Rules, alternative requirements modified by the Society may be followed based on the Rules.

The materials, equipment, installation, and workmanship of the systems should comply with the relevant requirements in the Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships, unless otherwise specified in the Rules.

Equivalents

Ballast water management installations that do not meet the specified requirements of the Rules may be accepted if the Society considers them equivalent.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):