Ankron is an independent Service Supplier for Commissioning Tests

IMO regulation BWM.2/Circ.70/Rev.1 requires a Commissioning Test to be carried out after the installation of Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS).
The purpose of the test is to verify that newly installed BWMS are properly mounted and function mechanically, physically, chemically and biologically as defined in previous Type Approval.
The one-off test takes place after the system has been fully installed, properly handed over to the ship and crew by the system manufacturer and after the BWMS has been successfully inspected by the relevant class.

Ankron's tasks for a BWTS Commissioning Test:

  • The communication throughout the entire process with client, agents, class and manufacturer for an optimized test organization
  • We answer all questions and give you exact instructions what to do to be best prepared
  • Provision of the whole test equipment tailored to the installed system
  • The sampling according to latest international regulations
  • Analysis with approved indicative or detailed methods
  • Reporting of all necessary data

Troubleshooting included: No half-hearted solutions

When the strict requirements of the IMO D-2 standard are not met and a commissioning test fails for some reason, we are ready to take a thorough look at the entire system. We do the critical investigations to uncover the cause of non-compliance - and make sure the right steps are taken to fix the problem.

Steps of a Commissioning Test on board the ship

Sampling >>

After the ballast water has been treated by the BWTS, a representative sample is collected during the corresponding ballast water discharge.

This sampling process should take place at the designated sampling point as outlined in the IMO Guidelines for Ballast Water Sampling (G2).

The total volume of the sample collected must be at least 1 cubic metre.

During this procedure, the operation of the BWTS must be carried out by the ship's crew. The testing company is not permitted to handle the Ballast Water Management System.

Additionally, for certain flag states, it is necessary that the test will be witnessed by a class surveyor to ensure compliance and accuracy.

Monitoring »

During testing the self-monitoring parameters of the BWTS are monitored and evaluated to confirm that all sensors and related equipment are working correctly and within the System Design Limitations (SDL) determined in the Type Approval of the tested BWTS.

Self-monitoring parameters of the BWTS may include flow rate, pressure, Total Residual Oxidants (TRO) concentration or UV transmittance/ UV intensity for UV-based systems.

Analysis »

The representative samples are analyzed by the testing company for the presence of organisms in two size classes according to the IMO D-2 standard:
Organisms ≥ 50 μm
Organisms ≥ 10 μm to < 50 μm .

Only indicative and/or detailed methods of analysis specified by the IMO may be used to analyse both size classes (BWM.2/Circ.42/Rev. 2).

Results and reporting »

The commissioning test is successful if the indicative analysis demonstrates that the discharge samples do not exceed the D-2 standard for the size classes analysed and the self-monitoring equipment indicates correct operation.

If the system fails, retesting is necessary until compliance is achieved.

All procedures and findings, sample collections, and analysis results are documented in a test report by the testing company. The final report is forwarded by the shipowner to the responsible class for review and approval as required by the Flag State.


The deeper dive: More infos about Ballast Water Commissioning Testing

Regulations >>

From June 1, 2022, the installation of a BWMS will be subject to mandatory commissioning testing requirements. This applies to BWMS

- at the initial survey for new ships
- at an additional survey for new BWMS to be installed on existing ships
- at an additional survey, either general or partial, depending on the circumstances, after a change, replacement or significant repair of the structure, equipment, systems, fittings, arrangements and materials (see BWM Convention, Regulation E-1 and MEPC.325(75)).

The Commissioning Tests shall be carried out taking into account the 2020 Guidance for commissioning tests of ballast water management systems (BWM.2/Circ.70/Rev.1).
The collection and analysis of the representative samples should be conducted independently of the BWMS manufacturer or supplier and to the satisfaction of the Administration. For this purpose, sampling and analysis of ballast water and verification of self-monitoring equipment shall be carried out by a class approved service supplier in accordance with the requirements of IACS Unified Requirement UR Z17 or by a service supplier acceptable to the flag administration.

The difference between Type Approval and Commissioning Test >>

Before a BWMS can be installed on board a ship, it must undergo a defined test procedure ashore and on board to demonstrate that it can consistently provide biological efficiency and consistent performance in accordance with the D-2 discharge standard without endangering the safety of the ship and crew, the environment and human health (see BWMS Code MEPC.300(72), 1.10).

Regulation D-3 of the BWMS Convention describes the technical specifications and procedures for approval and certification to be followed by administrations. Once a BWMS has successfully met these requirements, it is issued with a Type Approval Certificate stating that it is suitable for use on ships. The subsequently issued type approval certificate contains all information on the System Design Limitations of the particular BWMS.

During the subsequent commissioning test on board a vessel, it must be demonstrated that the newly installed BWMS is properly installed and functions mechanically, physically, chemically and biologically as specified in the previous Type Approval.


Responsibilities during Commissioning Testing