Abstract:
The Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) is a System used to treat ballast water in order
to comply with the requirements of the Ballast Water Management Convention, (BWMC)
Regulation D-2 and to prevent the transfer of aquatic organisms that may disrupt Marine
ecoSystems. MT. Capibara is equipped with the BalClor® Ballast Water Management System
(BWMS), which utilizes the electrochlorination method in the ballast water treatment
process. Based on the observations, the TRO Analyzer displayed a reading of 6.27 mg/L
during the verification process prior to de-ballasting at Tuapse Port, Black Sea. This study
aims to identify the factors affecting BWTS operation and the efforts that can be undertaken
to support the effectiveness of System operation. The research employed a qualitative
descriptive method. Data were collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and
literature review during the sea practice period on board MT. Capibara. Data analysis was
conducted using the Fishbone Analysis method to identify factors influencing BWTS
operation based on the aspects of Machine, man, method, and Environment. The results
indicate that BWTS operation is influenced by several factors, including the performance of
the TRO Analyzer, the condition of the chlorine buffer solution, the performance of the
Oxidant Dosing Unit (ODU), monitoring of BWTS equipment conditions, crew
familiarization, monitoring by the Duty Officer, maintenance implementation, monitoring of
ballast operations, seawater salinity, and water characteristics. The analysis shows that
increasing crew familiarization with the BWTS and coordinating with the maker to conduct
comprehensive System inspections and troubleshooting are efforts that can support BWTS
operation. In addition, the replacement of Consumable parts in accordance with the maker’s
recommendations and the implementation of periodic maintenance are necessary to maintain
System reliability. By implementing these measures, BWTS operation is expected to become
more effective, thereby ensuring that the ballast water treatment process continuously
supports compliance with the requirements of BWMC Regulation D-2.
