Global shortage of ballast pumps leads to port delays: warning for shipowners

Global shortage of ballast pumps leads to port delays: warning for shipowners

Global shortage of ballast pumps has caused significant delays in port deliveries, particularly due to a manufacturer in China. Pump deliveries are delayed by 6-8 weeks, creating risks of non-compliance with ballast water management systems (BWMS) during inspections.

The classification society DNV warns shipowners: mechanics and supercargo must carefully check pump inventories and plan repairs in advance. This is necessary to comply with the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC), aimed at preventing the spread of invasive species through ship ballast water.

Causes of the shortage and risks

• Production delays: The factory in China is struggling to meet volumes, resulting in 6-8 week supply delays.
• Risks for BWMS: The lack of pumps may cause non-compliance during inspections at ports, exacerbating global issues with IMO compliance.
• DNV recommendations: Check for spare parts and promptly plan for replacement or repair.

The situation is worsened by increasing traffic in ports and pressure from BWMC deadlines. Shipowners are required to ensure the operability of systems to avoid fines and delays.