The discharge of untreated ballast water (BW) has been a key factor in the transfer of non-indigenous aquatic species that have subsequently established and become pests in various parts of the world. The economic and environmental damage these invasive speciese can cause has been well documented and the importance of managing untreated BW on board vessels cannot be overstated.
National and international regulations to control the spread of non-indigenous aquatic species through managing BW using ballast water exchange (BWE) have been in effect in most regions and ports for many years.
