Ballast water treatment system (BWTS)
Ballast water management
The ballast water management from ships is a process of vital importance in the naval sector, as marine pollution at biological level caused by organisms transported through the ballast water of a ship can have devastating consequences for the marine ecosystem. Popularly known by its acronym BWTS (Ballast Water Treatment System), the ship ballast system is regulated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through the Convention for the Control and Management of Ballast Water and Sediment from Vessels
What is a ballast water treatment system (BWTS)?
A Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) ensures compliance with international regulations preventing the spread of invasive species and minimizing environmental impact. SYM Naval specializes in turnkey installations, providing a seamless solution to help vessels meet IMO and USCG standards.
To do this, we offer the design and installation of the Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) and other filtration solutions with a guarantee and trust, taking into account the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ballast Water.
How does a ballast water treatment system work?
A Ballast Water Treatment System removes harmful organisms from ballast water before discharge. Common treatment methods include:
- Filtration & UV Treatment – Physically removing particles and using UV light to neutralize organisms.
- Electrochlorination – Using electrical currents to disinfect water.
- Chemical Treatment – Adding biocides to eliminate invasive species.
Each method ensures compliance with MARPOL Annex IV and the Ballast Water Management Convention.
Filtration and water treatment solutions
SYM Naval offers sustainable solutions in water treatment, taking into account the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ballast Water.
Filtration technology and biological clean-up
We use the most advanced technology for each process, using cleaning treatments like chemical oxidation and ultraviolet sterilization.
Study and personalization of each project
At SYM Naval, we conduct prestudies for each type of project, we analyze, design, and install the most appropriate system for each need and vessel.
We cover all fields of an installation
With broad experience in installation during sailing, in coordination with the ship’s operation, saving time from inactivity and improving execution times.
Independent collaborators
As an independent collaborator, we do not represent any manufacturer or technology in particular, so we undertake projects with systems from any manufacturer.
We adapt to the needs of the ship-owner
We adapt to the needs of the ship-owner, involving ourselves in projects that bring in 3D scanning and modeling for feasibility studies, or we participate in full installations of turnkey systems.
The importance of ballast water treatment system
Without the control of ships’ ballast water, the inadvertent introduction of aquatic microorganisms in different areas of the sea and in ports around the world can create a serious environmental and economic threat. In addition to the danger of introducing invasive species into waters where they do not belong, that is, non-indigenous species, the incorrect ballast water management can favor the transport of bacteria such as Vibrio Cholerae, which leads to the transmission of diseases such as cholera, Therefore, it is essential to use sustainable and effective solutions to reduce biological contamination by means of ballast water treatment systems or other filtering solutions, taking into account the ballast water discharge regulations.
The treatment of ballast water from ships is carried out through three stages or ballasting operations: during ballast at the port of discharge, during the voyage between ports and during deballasting of the ship at the port of loading.
At SYM Naval, as an independent partner, we do not represent any particular manufacturer or technology, so we adapt to any ballast water treatment companies project. Our team of naval engineers is trained to get involved in any phase of the ballast system installation project and, together with the shipowner, lead to the most efficient ballast installation possible. To do this, we offer our support to the shipowner in basic ballast water projects that involve a 3D scan and a modeling process for feasibility studies or, on the contrary, we participate in a complete turnkey installation of the ballast water system of a vessel.
In addition, we have the experience of carrying out ballast water treatment system installations during navigation in coordination with the operation of the ship in order to save downtime on the part of the vessel. Being aware of the importance of good planning for ballast water management to adjust the level of intervention during the docking period, we digitized the design of the ballast system to be able to pre-fabricate the elements and optimize the execution time on the dock or browsing.
Installation of a ship's ballast water treatment system
The installation project of a ship’s ballast water treatment system can be divided into different phases and, from SYM Naval, we offer each of these services independently at the shipowner’s convenience:
– Selection of the ballast water system by the shipowner.
– Conceptual project proposal.
– 3D scanning and digital design of the ballast system.
– Approval engineering.
– Detailed and productive engineering.
– Prefabrication of the piping system and auxiliary elements.
– Installation of the ballast water system on board the ship.
– Testing of operating systems.
From our strategic bases in Barcelona (Mediterranean) and Santo Domingo (Caribbean) we design and prepare a ballast water management plan for ships around the world.
Why upgrade to a compliant ballast water treatment system?
With increasing environmental regulations, installing a compliant Ballast Water Treatment System is no longer optional. Our solutions help you:
✔ Meet IMO & USCG Standards – Avoid penalties and sailing restrictions.
✔ Improve Operational Efficiency – Reduce downtime with a seamless retrofit.
✔ Future-Proof Your Vessel – Ensure long-term compliance with evolving regulations.
Services for ballast maneuvers
We offer sustainable and effective solutions in the ballast water treatment. Assistance to ships and large vessels worldwide through our mobile team, shipyard in the Mediterranean and workshop in the Caribbean. Professional engineers and divers.
Need more information about our ballast system installation service?
300 +
Naval project
25 +
Years of Experience
193 +
Countries Covered
