METHODOLOGY FOR THE EVALUATION OF BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS USING ACTIVE SUBSTANCES

The expansion of global trade, travel, and the transportation of goods across borders, seas, and oceans has yielded significant advantages for humanity. However, it has also enabled the worldwide proliferation of invasive aquatic species (IAS), which have increasingly detrimental effects. These species frequently lack natural predators in the regions they invade. The issue intensified with the advent of steel hulls in the 1830s, which permitted ships to utilize water as ballast instead of solid materials.

The primary objective of this report is to outline the evaluation process of Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS) as it has developed over the past decade. This methodology is grounded in internationally recognized risk assessment methods that are implemented in various countries and regions around the globe. The methods and assumptions are derived from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the European Union, particularly the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) concerning the assessment of chemicals and biocides, and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and are incorporated into decision support systems within these organizations.

The GESAMP-BWWG is responsible for interpreting these methods. Additionally, this publication aims to introduce this risk assessment framework to the scientific community to stimulate critique and thus enhance the methodology. The assessment of BWMS warrants a scientifically sound approach to system approval, thereby achieving the goal of safeguarding the environment, human health, property, and resources.