Information about the instructions received from various flag state administrations related to the early implementation of commissioning tests for BWMS has already sent out as ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1199 (dated on 21 February 2020).

For Panamanian-flagged ships, in accordance with paragraph 3.8 of the Merchant Marine Circular No.345 (MMC-345), indicative analysis testing for treated ballast water is to be conducted at commissioning test of BWMS. In this regard, the Panamanian Administration has advised that it considers the indicative analysis testing mentioned in MMC-345 to be only recommendatory requirement (not mandatory). According to the Panamanian Administration, paragraph 3.8 of the MMC-345 is now in the process of being amended. So, once the amended version becomes available, we will post a copy of it on our "Ballast Water Management Convention" website (HOME > Products & Services > Statutory Services > Ballast Water Management Convention).

Furthermore, when any new instructions are received from any administration in the future, relevant information will be provided on our website as soon as possible.

For any questions about the above, please contact:

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
Machinery Department, Administration Center Annex, Head Office
Address: 3-3 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0094, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-5226-2022 / 2023
Fax: +81-3-5226-2024
E-mail: mcd@classnk.or.jp