What is D-2 Commissioning Testing of BWTS?

Commissioning Testing validates the installation of the BWTS by demonstrating that its mechanical, physical, chemical and biological processes are working correctly – as per the design specifications or so-called Type Approval. If your ship(s) uses a Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) you must comply with international regulations for ballast water management, including conducting a Commissioning Test on your newly installed BWTS.

The applicable regulation states that D-2 Commissioning Tests can only be performed by an independent service provider, other than the BWTS manufacturer, shipyard or installation company. Preparation is fundamental for successful and timely completion of the test, both by the shipowner as well as by the service provider. You can book your D-2 Commissioning Test now to keep your fleet compliant and be able to present all documents to Port State Authorities.

How you'll benefit from working with us for your D-2 Commissioning Tests

Compliance assured

You can be sure that your Class approves our service.

Our procedures are designed for success and recognized by our clients’ feedback. By supporting you to prepare well, we maximize chances of first-time-right.

Unmatched flexibility

Our local, in-house teams can serve you at shortest notice.

No need for travel or logistics across our CT Hubs for D-2 Commissioning Tests. Local colleagues are supported by our central team of highly qualified experts.

Peace of
mind

You can count on our support system being there for you.

No ship is the same. New BWTS equipment can be a headache for crews. Our highly qualified experts are available 24/7 to help resolve issues on the spot.

Reliable
and fast

You get our verifiable test-results instantly.

Our test-results are available same day for your BWM Certificate. And our data and detailed findings can always be verified afterwards.

Why you need D2 Commissioning Testing?

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM Convention). That IMO BWM Convention requires vessels to comply with the D-2 Standard by September 2024. In order to comply with the D-2 standard, installation of a Type-approved BWTS is needed. Prior to using a newly installed BWTS on board of a vessel, it must be Commissioning Tested in line with BWM.2/Circ.70/Rev.1 as of June 1st 2022. A successful Commissioning Test and Report is one of the requirements to obtain the International Ballast Water Management Certificate.

Still have questions whether or not D-2 Commissioning Testing is required for your vessel?

How to get D2 Commissioning Testing now

That’s simple: secure your D2 Commissioning Test now by simply sending us an e-mail, whatsapp, or calling our team. Our qualified pool of in-house inspectors can board your good vessel in one of the main shipping seaports around the globe. Even when you’re in a hurry, we can help you.

VPC, trusted all over the world

We are Control Union Vessel Performance Centre B.V. (VPC). We are part of Royal Peterson and Control Union. Our VPC offers vessel compliance and performance solutions to shipping. We deliver our services globally under a single quality system, through our network of Control Union offices. Our central team of experts is your single point of contact for our global services.

Our D2 Commissioning Tests build on our group’s extensive work as USCG-Recognized Independent Laboratory for Type-Approvals of BWTS and world-class expertise in our team of sea water-experts. We have secured our “Approved subcontractor”-status from all leading Class societies like ABS, DNV-GL, BV, RINA and Lloyds Register.

Using our own certified in-house inspectors and network of ISO 17025-accredited laboratories throughout Control Union’s global network, our Commissioning Testing Services are designed to provide maximum flexibility for the timing of this test, and at that same time ensure a >95% success rate. Unmatched in the industry.

More about VPC or Peterson and Control Union?

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D-2 Commissioning testing for BWTS

Want to know more about the D-2 Commissioning service? Download our Whitepaper now!

How to prepare for D-2 Commissioning testing?

Read more about preparing for D-2 Commissioning Testing for BWTS in this publication

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Class Approvals

Control Union Vessel Performance Centre B.V. holds the “Approved subcontractor”- status from leading Class societies. Click the logo to see the certificate.

Control Union Certifications is a US Coast Guard-accepted Independent Laboratory (IL) for testing of BWMS in accordance with 46 CFR 162.060.

GHG Emissions Regulations

EU-MRV
The EU requires Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (EU-MRV) for ships over 5,000 GT (and over 400 GT from 1 January 2025) calling European ports regardless of their Flag, as per EU Regulation 2015/757 and amending Regulation (EU)2023/957. Only Accredited Verifiers independent from the entity providing Monitoring and Reporting, can sign-off on Emissions Reports to be reported in Thetis-EU and included in each ships’ Document of Compliance (DoC).

IMODCS and China-DCS
In  2019 the IMO Data Collection System (IMODCS) became obligatory for vessels above 5,000 GT, to collect fuel use, emissions and ship service information per each vessel’s approved SEEMP II. This regulation is based on MARPOL Annex VI . Recognized Organizations (RO) like Class Societies verify IMODCS reports. The Chinese Maritime Safety Administration started its Data Collection on Energy Consumption (China-DCS): similar but different Emission reporting from any vessel calling specific Chinese ports per regulation from the MSA China Maritime Safety Administration in 2018 (contact us for your copy).

CII  and EEXI
The Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII)  is a system for ships to gradually reduce emissions, that the IMO developed as a mandatory measure under MARPOL Annex VI since 1 January 2023. At that time IMO also implemented its Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) to rate energy-efficiency of different vessels, which is included in each vessel’s International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Survey by Class.

SEEMP III
From 1 January 2023, ships of 5,000 GT and above must have a verified Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP Part III) on board to document how their vessel plans to achieve its CII-targets.

UK-MRV
Since  2022, all vessels that are subjected to EU-MRV have to collect data and report emissions per UK-MRV also, for their port calls in the United Kingdom. This is laid down in regulation MIN 669 (M+F) which is likely to be amended in the future.  Verifiers must be UKAS-accredited.

EU-ETS and EUA’s
From 1 January 2024 onwards the EU taxes Emissions from ships through its “cap-and-trade” European Trading System (EU-ETS). Directive (EU) 2023/959 requires vessel owners (or their mandated ISM Company) to purchase and surrender EU Allowances (EUA’s) matching their Emissions that are beyond their yearly allowance.

FuelEU Maritime
As of 2025, the EU is expected to launch its “book-and-claim” FuelEU Maritime Regulation (EU) 2023/1805 which promotes the use of renewable, low-carbon fuels and clean energy technologies for ships – from fuel production wells to ships’ wakes. Fleets of ships should actively lower their GHG intensity of fuels, by 2% in 2025 to 80% in 2050 or pay steep penalties otherwise.