With a date now set for IMO regulations on Ballast Water management, Optimarin and Alfa Laval have reported that they have filed type approval applications with the US Coast Guard.
Although some 60 BWT systems already have IMO type approvals, the USCG is still to begin authorisations. This has led to uncertainties amongst owners, who do not want to pay for systems which may not be certified for the US.
A recent statement from the USCG suggested that their first approvals may by the end of November, and they have also promised to process applications as quickly as possible – a 30-day approval process may then be possible if there are no complications.