ClassNK highlights risk of delays as shipping leaves ballast water commitments to the last moment

The world’s second largest shipping classification society has warned the industry to buck its leave-it-to-the-last-moment mentality and get a move on with installing ballast water treatment systems (BWTSs) now or risk failing to meet the global deadlines set for this mandatory equipment.

Japan’s ClassNK has run the figures on its classed fleet and noted a massive four-figure concentration of BWTS installations planned for 2022 (see graph below), right on deadline for the Ballast Water Management Convention.

“As difficulties are expected in the installation of BWMS if everyone around the world waits until 2022, ClassNK recommends installing well in advance,” the Tokyo-headquartered organisation warned in a release today.

Ship repair facilities have come under enormous strain in recent months with the huge volume of scrubber installations, along with routine maintenance bookings and some BWTS fittings, leading to delays at many yards.