Ballast water management decision support system model application

Abstract

In this chapter, the generic ballast water management (BWM) decision support systems (DSS) model presented in the chapter “Ballast Water Management Decision Support System” is validated by using one year real ballast water discharge data of the Port of Koper, Slovenia. All possible BWM options as outlined in the BWM Convention have been studied, and data on vessel voyages were collected or assessed, including vessel movements, main routes, navigational constraints and ballast water patterns, i.e., amount of ballast water to be managed per vessel and type, ballast water exchange (BWE) capacity rates per vessel type and source ports relevant for risk assessment (RA). The ballast water discharge data were analysed to assess (a) the number of vessels that would be able to conduct BWE on their intended routes according to the BWM Convention, and (b) the quantity of ballast water which would be discharged (managed versus unmanaged). It is most likely that only vessels from outside the Adriatic are enabled to conduct BWE before they call at the Port of Koper. A ballast water exchange area in the Adriatic would open more options to conduct BWE. The RA results from source ports were related to each vessel to assign the level of risk to each vessel discharging ballast water. A critical situation arises when ballast water is assessed as to pose an extreme risk as the BWM DSS would conclude that these vessels would not be allowed to discharge unmanaged ballast water.