CLASSIFICATION society ClassNK has been analysing the retrofitting status of ballast water management systems on its registered ships since 2018. It recently updated its status and advice based on the BWMS Convention.

As of the end of November 2020, 7220 of the 9159 ships registered with ClassNK are obligated to install BWMS in accordance with the BWM Convention. Among these, 3982 ships have completed the installation, leaving 3238 ships that still require attention.

Although the number of ships without BWMS has decreased by 1,280 since August 2019, the installation deadline for these ships remains largely concentrated in 2022.

As difficulties are expected in the installation of BWMS if shipowners around the world wait until 2022, ClassNK recommends installing well in advance. In addition, plan approval applications are also expected to concentrate during this period, therefore early application is strongly recommended.

The Society also recently released its Guideline for Survey and Facilities/Equipment of LNG Bunkering Ships, which outlines the additional safety requirements of liquefied gas carriers that supply LNG fuel at sea.

The number of LNG-fueled ships has been increasing in recent years as their CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions have a lower environmental load compared to ships that use conventional oil fuels. On the other hand, the facilities that supply LNG as fuel from quay facilities to general ships are still limited.

Liquefied gas carriers supplying LNG fuel at sea are considered candidates for ensuring variations in fuel supply, and more liquefied gas carriers (LNG bunkering ships) that supply LNG to ships are also being built and operated.

There are currently no established international conventions for the facilities/equipment of ships that transfer LNG to other ships at sea, and additional safety equipment has been considered individually.

Based on examinations conducted so far, ClassNK has developed the guideline, which compiles the requirements for additional equipment for the safe transfer of LNG, a cryogenic substance, between ships, and surveys. The guideline stipulates the layout and system design of LNG bunkering ships, fuel transfer systems, and operation, as well as class notations according to the equipment to be installed.

The guideline is available to download at: www.classnk.com