Ballastieren

Ballastieren is the process of adjusting a vessel’s stability and trim by taking on or discharging ballast. In maritime practice ballast is carried in dedicated ballast tanks and can consist of seawater, fresh water, or, less commonly, solid ballast such as stones or ore. Ballasting is used to compensate for changes in cargo, passenger loads, fuel, weather, and sea conditions, and to ensure the vessel sits with the correct draught and metacentric height.

During operations, ships execute ballasting and de-ballasting according to a ballast management plan. The plan specifies which tanks to fill or empty, the sequence of operations, venting procedures, and monitoring of stability parameters. Ballast water management is a key aspect, involving measures to minimize environmental impact, including ballast water exchange and treatment, to remove or neutralize organisms carried in water.

Environmental and regulatory context: Since the late 20th century, ballast water has been recognized as a vector for invasive species. International regulations require ballast water management systems (BWMS) and adherence to the Ballast Water Management Convention. Many jurisdictions mandate treatment systems, ballast water reporting, and periodic surveys of ballast tanks and pumps.