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Korean Register (KR), an IACS member classification society, has been accepted by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) as an Independent Laboratory (IL) to undertake tests, inspections, and evaluations for Ballast Water Management Systems.

KR is the first in Asia and the second in the world (outside US) to gain this authorization.

To prevent the introduction and spread of non-indigenous species contained in ships’ ballast water, IMO has developed the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) which will become effective as soon as it has been ratified by the required number of states.

Notwithstanding IMO’s BWMC, vessels wanting to operate in US territorial waters must be fitted with BWM systems that are USCG type approved in accordance with their implementation schedule

This particular approval requires a high level of ability within the IL and involves the passing of at least five valid and successful test repetitions at differing levels of salinity during land-based testing; and a higher standard of sampling and analysis. USCG requirements are more onerous than those demanded by IMO and are expected to become the benchmark for BWM systems.

“This achievement is a further example of KR’s growing status on the international stage and an endorsement of our technical abilities. We are committed to the development of all relevant technologies and will continue to contribute to the implementation of US Coast Guard regulations,” Dr. B. S. Park, Chairman and CEO of KR said.