Marine Advisory: 37/2024 - INTERTANKO’s ‘Ports with Challenging Water Quality’ (PCWQ) database

05 December 2024

Marine Advisory: 37/2024

Subject: INTERTANKO’s ‘Ports with Challenging Water Quality’ (PCWQ) database

References:

1. MEPC Resolution 387(81)
2. Marine Notice POL-014

(c) International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention), as amended

Dear Shipowners/Operators/Inspectors/Masters:

The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to draw the attention of shipowners, operators, inspectors and masters to INTERTANKO’s ‘Ports with Challenging Water Quality’ (PCWQ) database.

INTERTANKO’s PCWQ database compiles reports from INTERTANKO members on ports where challenging water quality (CWQ) has impacted ballast water management system (BWMS) operations. This database can help ships plan voyages and implement mitigating measures, taking into account the IMO guidance in MEPC Resolution 387(81), when calling at PCWQ.

The database includes both well-known and lesser-known PCWQ locations and can serve as a valuable reference for unexpected CWQ situations. It provides insights into past issues, identifying regional trends and BWMS treatment types, supporting discussions with Port State authorities, and encouraging continuous improvements to BWMS design.

Effective October 24, 2024, the INTERTANKO PCWQ Database is open to all interested stakeholders for data submission and also for viewing the results.

Full information and instructions to access the database is available on the INTERTANKO website. INTERTANKO can be reached out on environment@intertanko.com.

For more information on this Marine Advisory, please contact the Regulations and Standards department at regsandstandards@liscr.com.

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