A segregated ballast tank is a tank used for carrying ballast water that is physically separated from the cargo and fuel oil spaces, reducing the risk of oil contamination.
A clean ballast tank, on the other hand, refers to a ballast tank that is free of oil and other contaminants, ensuring that water being discharged from the tank is free of pollutants. The term “clean ballast” is often used in reference to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) regulations, which require ships to maintain clean ballast tanks to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic species through ballast water discharge.
In summary, a segregated ballast tank is a physically separated tank for carrying ballast, while a clean ballast tank refers to a ballast tank that is free of oil and other pollutants.
What is clean ballast?
According to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), “clean ballast” refers to ballast water that has been obtained from a source that is not contaminated with oil or oily mixtures and that is free from any visible residue of such substances.
The purpose of MARPOL regulations regarding clean ballast is to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic species and pollutants through ballast water discharge. To ensure compliance, ships are required to exchange ballast water at sea, treat the ballast water, or maintain clean ballast tanks.
In short, clean ballast as per MARPOL refers to ballast water that is free of oil and other pollutants and is used to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic species.