GUIDE TO APPROVAL OF RETROFIT BALLAST WATER

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM INSTALLATIONS

OCTOBER 2021
DNV Approval Ship and Offshore

Environmental Protection

bwm@dnv.com

DNV Headquarters, Veritasveien 1, P.O.Box 300, 1322 Høvik, Norway. Tel: +47 67 57 99 00. www.dnv.com

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CONTENTS
GUIDE TO APPROVAL OF RETROFIT BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM INSTALLATIONS ....................... 1

1 PURPOSE......................................................................................................................................................... 3

2 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................... 3

3 APPROVAL PROCESS .................................................................................................................................... 4

4 PIPING SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL.................................................................................................... 5

5 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM .................................................................................................................................... 7

6 CONTROL SYSTEM ......................................................................................................................................... 9

7 FIRE SAFETY ................................................................................................................................................. 10

8 STABILITY ...................................................................................................................................................... 10

9 STRUCTURE .................................................................................................................................................. 12

10 DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................... 13

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1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this document is to give a procedure when a DNV classed ship is subject to a retrofit installation of a
ballast water management system (BWMS).

2 INTRODUCTION
The BWM Convention entered into force on the 8th of September 2017.

The US Coast Guard (USCG) Regulations on BWM (33 CFR part 151 & 46 CFR part 162) entered into force 21st of
June 2012. All ships calling US ports must have a treatment system installed acc. to the given implementation scheme.

The implementation regime as given by IMO and USCG is given on our BWM homepage www.dnv.com/bwm. The IMO
implementation schedule follows the IOPP renewal survey, while USCG refers to planned dry-docking.

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3 APPROVAL PROCESS

For a retrofit installation of a BWMS, the conversion unit shall be contacted

(conversions.osl@dnv.com for DNV vessels and Conversions@dnv.com for GL
vessels). DNV vessels will be dealt with by both sections depending on the
vessel type. A project manager for the document approval will be assigned. The owner shall specify if the vessel shall
be granted a certificate and a class notation showing compliance with the BWM Convention after the retrofit installation.
A ship specific list of required documents, according to Chapter 10 of this document, is to be submitted by the owner.

Any retrofit installation must follow the DNV rule set for BWM. The rules applicable for BWM can be found in DNV Rules
for Ships Part 6, Chapter 7, Section 1. The document approval will be followed by an initial survey by Class of the
BWMS installation. This survey is required to obtain the International Ballast Water Management Certificate.

The BWM Convention entered into force the 8th of September 2017. The following documents are required by the BWM
Convention to be kept on board:

- Ballast Water Record Book

- Approved BWM Plan according to D1 and/or D2 standard

- An International Ballast Water Management Certificate

The following chapters describe the documents and drawings to be approved by DNV for each individual ship system
which will be affected by the retrofit installation. A summary showing all documents subject for approval are repeated in
Chapter 10. Further details can be found in the specific class rules and the Ballast Water Management Convention.

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4 PIPING SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL
When installing a BWMS the piping system will be modified. DNV will verify that the installation is carried out in
according to the BWM Convention and applicable Rules to ensure functionality of the treatment system and safety.

• An updated P&ID of the ballast system is required for approval of the piping system. The drawing should
include all components of the BWMS and sampling facilities. A detailed drawing of the sampling port following
Guidelines G2 of the Convention is to be included on the P&ID.

• For ballast water treatment technologies like electrolysis, ozone, heat treatment or de-oxygenation, a separate
P&ID must be submitted showing auxiliary systems and the details of the treatment system piping and control
and monitoring equipment.

• For chemical injection systems, arrangement plans must be submitted showing drip trays, ventilation, gas
detection, pressure and temperature monitoring for tanks containing potentially hazardous chemicals.

• If the BWMS is connected to other systems, these P&IDs shall also be submitted, i.e:
- Control air system piping diagram

- Exhaust system piping diagram

- Cooling system piping diagram

- Bilge system diagram

- Fresh water system diagram

• A Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) shall identify how BWMS is intended to be operated on the specific
vessel in order to meet the requirements of the Convention. A BWM plan template is given on our homepage
www.dnv.com/BWM under “BWMS Retrofits”.
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- The BWMP must reflect ship specific items such as the ballast water stripping ejector mode if
applicable, external bypasses if fitted, use of one/two/specific BW pumps simultaneously/special
modes for internal circulation or semi-submersible vessels etc. Applied methods of filtration and
disinfection are to be explained. Operational limits shall be provided for the BWMS (e.g. pH, salinity,
temperature, humidity, turbidity, power consumption, holding time, UV intensity).

- It is advised to include contingency measures chapter that instructs crew on procedure in the event of
a BWTS malfunction where D-2 compliance is required. This shall be done in according to the IMO
guidelines as described in Circular BWM.2/Circ.62; full text of Circular also advised to be provided as
Appendix. Some flag administration already required to include contingency measures chapter in
BWM Plan.

If BWM Plan D-1 (exchange) shall be used as one of the contingency measures, then the new BWM
Plan for D-2 shall make reference to the existing D-1-approved plan (Stamped cover page as attached
to the Appendix of this BWMP).

- The manual can make reference to the BWMS Installation and Operation Manual. However the
Manual shall be submitted as separate document for approval.

• Type Approval Certificate (TAC) of the BWMS, issued by or on behalf of a Flag Authority

- It is required that the flag state of the ship has explicitly accepted the type approval certificate issued
to the BWMS. The manufacturer of the BWMS must submit such a statement to DNV.

• An Operation Manual (approved acc. to MEPC 175[58] as part of TA) shall be adapted to the equipment
installed on board. It should contain a technical description of the BWMS, operational and maintenance
procedures, and backup procedures in case of equipment malfunction.

• A commissioning procedure to be followed on board, preferably with a DNV surveyor attending. The procedure
shall include an installation check, calibration check of critical sensors and an alarm check. Check of
integration into existing ship systems shall also be part of the commissioning.

From 1 June 2022 it is required to perform the biological efficacy testing (sampling analysis) at commissioning
of BWTS (Ref. IMO MECP 74). Some flag administrations requests this test to be done as soon as possible
and before 1 June 2022. Sampling analysis of BWMS, shall be carried out by a testing facility (independent of
the BWMS manufacturer) accepted by DNV. The list of accepted DNV test facilities can be found on our
external page under this link https://approvalfinder.dnv.com/ (select “Approval of Service Suppliers” and then
“Service Suppliers engaged in testing of Ballast Water Management Systems (validation of biological efficacy
at commissioning)”) DNV surveyor shall verify that a written reporting including methods and detailed results of
the commissioning testing.

• A hazard analysis needs to be submitted if the BWMS is using or producing hazardous and harmful substances
for human health or the environment, for example:

- Systems using active substances (as defined in Resolution MEPC.169(57), Guidelines G9)

- Systems using chemical injections or neutralizing agents

- Any system producing flammable, toxic or explosive gases/ liquids such as chlorine, hydrogen, ozone,
oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen peroxide, acids etc.

Such a hazard analysis is a class prerequisite for DNV to allow the system to operate on board ships classed
with DNV.

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5 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Installation of a BWMS affects the electrical system of the vessel. To ensure the modification is carried out in a safe
manner and following DNV Rules, DNV requests documentation addressing the changes to be submitted as one
package.

The items below shall be submitted unless found not applicable for the specific installation. Not applicable items should
be justified.

• Updated electrical power single line diagram shall be submitted showing where changes are done in the
electrical system. Information about new consumers, setting of new circuit breakers, rating of cables, correct
short circuit level on the switchboards, etc., should be included when applicable.

• If the BWMS is arranged in a separate new distribution on board, this should be certified if over 100kW (ref.
DNV Rules Pt.4 Ch.8 Sec.1 Table 3 if the vessel shall have BWM-T class notation).

• Drawings of the switchboard modifications shall be submitted as follows:

- Cable and circuit breaker rating together with nominal current and effect of all new consumers.

• An updated electric load balance shall be submitted if the total new load added is above 100kW.

- This can be based on original load balance from new-building phase or it can be based on
measurements during condition in which is relevant for the upgrade. Documentation with a conclusion
should be forwarded.

• Making and breaking of new circuit breakers shall be considered towards relevant short circuit level.

- The relation between the valid short circuit level and the breakers making/breaking capacities shall be
considered for:

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▪ Existing installation with a need for new short circuit calculations; making and breaker
capacity for all breakers, also existing installation.

▪ If no new short circuit calculation is required; making/breaking capacities for new circuit
breakers should be considered towards the valid short circuit calculation (old one).

- For new short circuit calculations, it shall be evaluated and concluded with regard to:

▪ Breakers currently installed in the switchboard and new breakers introduced

(making/breaking capacities).

• System selectivity table or diagram showing upstream breaker towards largest downstream breaker.

• If flammable, explosive gases will be created by the BWTS (ex: H2 or similar), updated Ex documentation
according to DNV Rules Pt.4 Ch.8 Sec.11 shall be submitted for approval.

• If new fans or fuel or lube oil pumps are installed, the updated electrical schematic drawing of the emergency
stop system shall be submitted for approval.

• If the BWTS will be installed in a hazardous area in the ship, information about BWTS suitability for hazardous
zone (0, 1, 2), temperature class and gas group shall be submitted.

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6 CONTROL SYSTEM
The control system of the BWMS will have to be connected to existing systems on the vessel. DNV will request the
following documents to verify that the implementation of the new control system has been performed according to DNV
Rules.

• Description of the interface towards the ship’s existing systems shall be submitted. The description must as a
minimum include:

- Description of the interface towards the ship’s existing systems. The document shall specify the
external signals that shall be communicated between BWM system and its remote control and transfer
of control. Any failure of the BWM system shall give audible and visual alarm signals in all stations
from which ballast water operations are controlled.

• Arrangement of the alarms for bypass of the BWMS system will be checked on board by attending surveyor.

• If the BWMS is not type approved by DNV as a minimum the following documentation must be submitted:

- Environmental testing or data sheets of components.

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7 FIRE SAFETY
If the installation requires changes to the ship arrangement, special care has to be taken to
the fire safety arrangement. The following considerations shall be made regarding fire
safety.

• If the BWMS is located in a new compartment, or existing accommodation or

service spaces is redefined as machinery space to accommodate the BWMS, the
structural fire safety integrity, detection, escape arrangement etc. has to be
evaluated.

• If the BWMS is located in an existing machinery space, this will normally not
influence the fire safety arrangement.

• DNV will carry out approval of fire safety for the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate and
Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate if authorized by the flag administration.

8 STABILITY
The installation of the BWMS might have an impact on the ship’s stability. In order to evaluate the impact, DNV will
request the following documentation.

• In case lightweight change due to the installation of a BWMS will exceed 2%:

- New Trim and Stability booklet with DNV approved lightweight shall be submitted for approval.

- It might be required to carry out an inclining test. Alternatively, DNV may accept lightweight calculation
if the attending DNV surveyor can easily verify weight and center of gravity of all installed equipment.
The light weight calculation shall be endorsed by the attending DNV surveyor and submitted to the
approval center.

▪ Note: For passenger vessels an inclining test will be mandatory if the lightweight change
exceeds 2%.

• In case lightweight change due to the installation of a BWMS is less than 1% or the change in LCG is less than
1 %, no update of stability documents is required. All modifications since the previous inclining test or
lightweight survey shall be taken into account in such case. However, the weight and center of gravity of the
ballast water treatment system installation must be recorded onboard and included in the ship’s loading
computer as a permanent deadweight item. In some cases, DNV may require that the stability documentation
is updated in case the VCG is increased significantly and the stability margins are small.

• Change in the purpose of tanks, disconnection of tank from ballast system, will require updates of stability
documentation and loading computer

• An updated Watertight Integrity Plan (Damage Control Plan) shall be submitted if the installation of the BWMS
will change the vessel’s watertight integrity such as:

- Relocation of watertight bulkheads

- New openings (external/internal)

- New pipe routings in the damage zone which may lead to progressive flooding in case of breached
pipes

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Based on this information, DNV will evaluate if the stability (intact and damage) documents need to be updated
and submitted for approval.

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9 STRUCTURE
In order to evaluate how the structure will be influenced by the installation of a BWMS, DNV will request documentation
regarding the impact on the ship structure.

• If static forces of the BWMS (maximum content) are higher than 50 kN or the resulting static bending moment
at deck is higher than 100 kNm, the foundation of the BWMS including supporting structure and the footprint
loads at the connection with the existing structure, shall be submitted for approval.

• If the BWMS is arranged within a new compartment, structural drawings of the new structure and the
connection to existing structure shall be submitted for approval. Enviromental loads should be considered.

• If the BWTS has independent tanks containing potentially hazardous liquid chemicals, the structural drawings
of the tank shall be submitted for approval. The drawing should include height of air pipes.

• If the static forces of the independent tank (maximum content) are higher than 50 kN or the resulting static
bending moment at deck is higher than 100 kNm, the foundation of the independent tank, including supporting
structure and the footprint loads at the connection with the existing structure, shall be submitted for approval.

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10 DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
All the documents required for approval of the BWMS installation with regards to the BWM Convention, Piping,
Electrical, Control, Fire Safety, Stability and Structure are listed below.
Vessel Specific Document: Documentation marked with an (*) must be submitted for each vessel in a series.

Ref
Documentation type Conditions / Info.
no.
Piping systems and environmental
Ship specific operational details of ballast water management. Ref.
1 Ballast Water Management Plan * Regulation B-1

Required if flag state of the ship is not the same as the administration
Statement for acceptance of the which has issued TAC.
2
BWTS Statement from the flag shall include acceptance of the TAC from the
other administration
From administration (not Class) approved in according to the revised
3 Type approval certificate (TAC) G8 Res. MEPC.279(70) or the BWMS Code Res. MEPC.300(72) ref.
BWMS Code item 8.
Ballast water system with modification arrangement (including
4 Piping diagram
sample port details) ref. BWMS Code item 8.
Applicable for side stream electrolysis:
5 Piping diagram Auxiliary systems, e.g. for ventilation of hydrogen, bunkering,
drainage to be shown
Applicable for ozone/de-oxygenation/heat treatment systems:
- If ozone systems: Auxiliary systems, e.g. for ventilation or
destruction of ozone, oxygen.
6 Piping diagram
- If heat treatment: heating arrangements.
- If de-oxygenation: Auxiliary systems, e.g. for PV valves for
ballast tank vent heads.
Bilge system, cooling system (FW), fuel oil, compressed air etc. if
7 Piping diagram
modified
8 BWMS Operation Manual Approved by the Administration ref. BWMS Code item 8.
9 If the BWTS is using or producing hazardous and harmful substances
Hazard analysis
for human health or the environment.
Applicable for chemical injection, neutralization tanks and should
show:
10
Arrangement plan Drip trays, ventilation, gas detection, pressure and temperature
monitoring for tanks containing potentially hazardous liquid
chemicals.
11 Hazardous Zone Plan
Installation and BWTS specific commissioning and calibration
procedure specific to the system.
12 Commissioning procedure
Approved by the Administration, ref. BWMS Code item 8.

If the ballast pump(s) is/are renewed with higher delivery pressure

13 Pressure drop calculation
head or capacity.
14 General Arrangement Drawing indicating location of new installation (Treatment equipment,
control system panels)
Electrical systems
Updated electrical power single line Including:
15
diagram - New consumers, indicating power and nominal current

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Ref
Documentation type Conditions / Info.
no.
- Cable size
- Setting of new circuit breakers w.r.t. overcurrent and short
circuit protection
- Correct short circuit level on the switchboard (if existing
breakers are used, this is NA)
Making and breaking capacities of
16
new circuit breakers
17 Updated electric load balance
Selectivity between new circuit
18 breakers and upstream existing circuit
breakers
Emergency stop of new fan or oil
19
pumps
Required if flammable, explosive gases will be created during
Updated EX documentation according
20 process, (e.g. hydrogen or similar), or if the BWTS will be located in a
to Pt.4 Ch.8 Sec.11
hazardous area of the vessel
Emergency power supply to blowers for dilution of hazardous gas.
21 Electrical schematic drawing
Only applicable if BWTS is not Type Approved by DNV
Control systems
Description of the interface towards the ship’s existing systems. The
Interphase description document shall specify the external signals that shall be
22
communicated between BWM system and its remote control and
transfer of control.
Interphase description, Treatment
Any failure of the BWTS shall give audible and visual alarm signals in
23 Failure Alarm
all stations from which ballast water operations are controlled.

Environmental testing or data sheets

24 Only applicable if BWTS is not Type Approved by DNV
of components.
Fire Safety
Structural fire safety integrity, Applicable if the structural fire integrity of the vessel is modified to
25
detection, escape arrangement etc. accommodate the BWTS
Stability
Detailed calculation of the new lightship particulars based on weights
26 Lightship calculation * taken on and off. The calculation shall be endorsed by the attending
DNV surveyor.
27 Inclining test report * Inclining test to be carried out and witnessed by DNV
Depending on the results from the lightship calculation or the inclining
28 Trim and stability booklet *
test, the stability booklet shall be revised.
If the installation of the BWTS will change the vessels watertight
29 Damage stability calculations * integrity or if direct damage stability on actual loading conditions is
calculated.
30 Damage Control Plan *
31 Damage Control Manual *
32 Watertight integrity plan
Details of penetration through WT bulkhead, including material of
33 Details of penetrations
pipes
Structure
34 Arrangement of independent tank
35 Foundation of independent tank Location, self-weight, footprint loads

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Ref
Documentation type Conditions / Info.
no.
Structural drawing of independent
36
tank
37 Structural drawings of the containers
- Footprint loads in the connection with the existing structure to be
included in the drawing.
38 Foundation drawing of the container - Fastening to be of secured type (i.e. by means of brackets or
similar.
- Means of inspection of the deck below container to be provided.
39 Tank Plan To include height of air pipes (for new tank(s)).
Structural drawings of the BWTS’
40 To include the self-weight and footprint loads
foundation
41 Structural drawings of deckhouse
42 Structural drawings of bulkheads
Applicable for BWTS installed in containers or in a new compartment
43 New tonnage calculation
above deck
44 Details of openings in bulkheads Windows, doors, cut-outs.
Certificate of the container to be
45
submitted for evaluation
46 Ventilation arrangement drawing

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