Ship Ballast Water Management System (Yokohama Port, Kobe Port) - July 2003

Ship Ballast Water Management System (Yokohama Port, Kobe Port) - July 2003

Details of the Ship Ballast Water Management System Ballast water, used by ships to maintain balance during navigation, causes the movement of harmful organisms and invasive species between sea areas, contributing to global ecosystem destruction and water pollution. In particular, the invasion of invasive species has been reported in Yokohama Port, Kobe Port, and Tokyo Bay, posing a problem due to the adverse effects on the ecosystems surrounding these ports. To address this issue, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the Ballast Water Management Convention in 2004, mandating ballast water management for ships. This convention stipulates that all ships engaged in international voyages must install ballast water management systems by 2024. Ballast water treatment technologies include ultraviolet irradiation, ozone treatment, and thermal treatment. These technologies can render harmful organisms and pathogens in ballast water harmless. Specifically, ultraviolet
treatment systems developed by Hitachi Zosen Corporation and ozone treatment systems by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. are widely adopted both domestically and internationally. These systems not only enhance treatment efficiency but also succeed in reducing energy consumption by approximately 30% compared to conventional technologies.

Furthermore, according to 2018 data, approximately 20 million tons of ballast water are treated annually within Japan. The adoption of ballast water treatment systems is progressing rapidly, particularly in Yokohama Port, Kobe Port, and Osaka Port. This has reduced the ecological damage caused by invasive species and the adverse effects on fisheries. Further adoption is expected to advance in other ports going forward.

Furthermore, ship manufacturers are advancing research and development of ballast water management technologies. New systems developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. and IHI Corporation achieve higher treatment efficiency and cost reductions. Through these efforts, Japan is demonstrating global leadership in ballast water management technology, contributing to environmental conservation and the sustainability of the shipping industry.