Establishing Ballast Water Test Platforms in the U.S. Carolyn Junemann, USDOT Maritime Administration

Why we got involved Government-owned ships could serve as test platforms in lieu of operating commercial vessels – No disruption to operating engine rooms with unproven technologies (that may have to be removed at the end of testing) – No interruption to commercial schedule while these systems are installed – Government in-house engineers and naval architects could provide support to the project – Technology developers could learn about the requirements and limitations of installing technology aboard ship without impacting overall operations with unforeseeable problems

The Timeline Maryland : MARAD berth and ships used to test systems; 2007 “plug and play” installed on ships 2008: Partnered with MERC; one technology tested Port of Superior 2006: Established Great Ships Initiative facility Golden Bear 2005: Feasibility study - GOLDEN BEAR as test platform

Genesis of the facilities – Great Lakes

Shore-Based Test Facility Design

Land-Based Testing Facility

Upgrades in 2010

Genesis of the facilities – Chesapeake Bay

Cape Washington, Baltimore, MD Hookup Between Ship and Technology – Bulkhead between Cargo Space and E.R.

Mobile Test Platform Port of Baltimore, 5 – 12 psu Port of Norfolk, 21 – 28 psu NRL Anacostia River, 0 psu

Training Ship Golden Bear

Plug and Play Installation on Stern

Caveats Attaining the approval to conduct USCG-compliant certification testing is not a given. These facilities must demonstrate that they are capable of conducting the tests and have the proper “infrastructure” to support the work. Until a Final Rule is issued, we will not know all of the requirements for certification testing. Without dedicated professionals conducting the tests and being in the field on a daily basis, the program would not advance.

Total phosphorus concentration (µg/L) Relative abundance (%)