Abstract:
The increasing intensity of international shipping activities has made the use of ballast water an
essential part of ship operations. Ballast water functions to maintain ship stability, trim, and
safety; however, it also poses a risk of transporting non-indigenous species, pathogenic
microorganisms, and pollutants that can disrupt marine ecosystems. The discharge of untreated
ballast water may lead to marine environmental pollution and the spread of invasive species. In
response to this issue, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) established the Ballast
Water Management Convention (BWMC), which requires ships to manage ballast water in
accordance with prescribed standards, particularly through the implementation of Ballast Water
Treatment Systems (BWTS) in compliance with the D-2 standard.
This study aims to analyse the impact of the implementation of Ballast Water Treatment System
(BWTS) on board MT. Griya Ambon in preventing marine environmental pollution, as well as
to compare the effectiveness of ballast water exchange methods with the use of BWTS. The
research employs a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data were collected through
direct observation during sea practice on board MT. Griya Ambon, interviews with ship
officers, and documentation studies of ballast water management procedures and operational
records.
The results of the study indicate that ship ballast water has significant potential to pollute the
marine environment if it is not properly managed. The ballast water exchange method is
considered less effective because it only relies on dilution, is highly dependent on weather and
ship safety conditions, and is unable to eliminate microorganisms completely. In contrast, the
application of Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) is proven to be more effective in
inactivating living organisms through filtration and treatment processes, thereby meeting the IMO
D-2 standard and reducing the risk of marine pollution. Therefore, the implementation of BWTS
represents a safer, more effective, and sustainable solution for ballast water management,
particularly on-board MT. Griya Ambon.
Keywords: Ballast water, Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS), Ballast Water Exchange,
marine pollution, IMO.
