ANALISIS DAMPAK PENGGUNAAN BALLAST WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM (BWTS) DI MT . GRIYA AMBON TERHADAP LINGKUNGAN LAUT

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.