As of 27 June 2025, the North Sea States have formally established the Intra North Sea Ballast Water Contingency Area, allowing eligible vessels to conduct Ballast Water Exchange plus Treatment (BWE+BWT) under defined emergency conditions. This initiative, adopted through the OSPAR framework and aligned with IMO Circular BWM.2/Circ.62 and MEPC.387(81), provides a structured compliance pathwayContinueContinue reading “Intra North Sea Ballast Water Contingency Area Guide”
Category Archives: Χωρίς κατηγορία
Scrubber Washwater Testing What is required, what is not
Ships equipped with Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (scrubbers) produce washwater as a byproduct of cleaning exhaust gases. This washwater can contain various pollutants (acids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), suspended particles, nitrates, trace heavy metals, etc.) and must meet certain criteria before discharge. International regulations and guidelines define what parameters need to be monitored or testedContinueContinue reading “Scrubber Washwater Testing What is required, what is not”
California’s Emergency Ballast Water Management Rule in Effect
The California State Lands Commission has implemented an emergency ballast water management rule. The emergency rule came into effect on June 18, 2025. Under this rule, vessels with ballast water sourced from waters with a measured salinity of less than 18 parts per thousand (ppt) — equivalent to 18 grams of salt per kilogram ofContinueContinue reading “California’s Emergency Ballast Water Management Rule in Effect”
MEPC 83 Summary
Significant outcomes from MEPC 83: Below is a brief overview of some of the significant outcomes from MEPC 83: Approval of Mid-term GHG reduction measures as amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, expected to be adopted at the Extraordinary Session of MEPC in October 2025 for entry into force 1 March 2027. Completion of Phase 1 ofContinueContinue reading “MEPC 83 Summary”
Saron Marine Environmental Services 