The impacts of D-2 ballast water management standard on stakeholders (social-well-being impact)

Abstract

The Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention has been ratified for four years since September 2014. The final deadline for compliance with the D-2 Standard is fast approaching in a short two years. However, there is still high uncertainty in the maritime industry of the validity of the D-2 Standard and its efficacy surrounding many factors. This study investigates the impacts of D-2 Standard on key stakeholders from a technical, environmental, and social (well-being) perspective to evaluate whether the D-2 Standard is worth pursuing despite its limitations. Data is collected from the maritime industry through surveys and interviews conducted as well as previous literature done on the subject. The analysis of data collected shows a consensus that the D-2 Standard contributes positively to the environment. However, the main problems found were the lack of standardization in legislation (IMO vs USCG) and regulations (Guidelines of BWM Convention), the discharge of disinfection by products (DBPs) and the overwhelming variety of Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS) available in the market. These problems pose challenges to streamlining of the BWM Convention, clean ballast water discharge and training of seafarers. Recommendations for shore-based treatment system and standardization of BWTS were given to mitigate the negative impacts of the D-2 Standard.