Ballast Water Management

Despite strong tidal currents around the Orkney Islands, the inner waters of Scapa Flow are largely unaffected by tidal currents and consequently the water exchange process is very slow.

Therefore in order to minimize the potential for pollution resulting from oil, chemical, heavy metals and transfer of non native aquatic organisms and pathogens which may be contained within ships ballast water and associated sediments, the OIC Harbours in association with the Flotta Oil terminal, operates a stringent policy on the control and management of Ships' ballast water; in order to provide protection for this important marine environment and the rich natural marine biodiversity within Scapa Flow.
The procedure applies to all vessels over 400 grt within or using the Scapa Flow Oil Port or Anchorage Facility.

These port procedures enhance on the International Convention for the 'Control and Management of ships' Ballast water and Sediment' adopted in 2004, and the guide lines issued under IMO Resolution A.868 (20).

The discharge of a ships' ballast water whilst within Scapa Flow as defined by the harbour limits is prohibit unless in accordance with the following:-

  1. For vessels using the Flotta oil terminal jetty or SPM facilities.
    1. Discharge is only permitted through the ballast water reception and treatment facilities that are provided at the Flotta Oil terminal. This ensures the discharge can be both monitored and if necessary treated, prior to its transfer and eventual discharge south of Flotta.
  2. Liquid Gas Carriers not subject to a special ballast management agreements. Direct discharge to sea of their ballast water is only permitted in accordance with the following restrictions.
    1. The total quantity of ballast water for discharge is limited to the minimum essential quantity possible.
    2. The ballast water for discharge must have been taken onboard or exchanged in accordance with IMO Resolution A.868 (20) Reg B-4 criteria, i.e. at a location where the depth of water is 200 mtr or more and at a minimum of 50 nautical miles from the nearest land. If this is not possible, then at least taken onboard or exchanged within 24 hours of arrival at Scapa Flow and a minimum of 12 nautical miles from the nearest land.
    3. The Master has formally requested and obtained written permission from the Harbour authority to undertake specific de-ballast operations.
  3. Liquid Gas Carriers identified in specific ballast water management agreements. Direct discharge to sea of their ballast water is only permitted in accordance with the following conditions:-
    1. The total quantity of ballast water for discharge is limited to the minimum essential quantity possible.
    2. The ballast water for discharge must have been taken onboard or exchanged within the specific locations and in accordance with the circumstances and conditions identified within the agreement.
    3. The Master submits to the Harbour authority prior to arrival a ballast water reporting form as per (SF 07-008) or similar indicating the times, quantities and positions of all ballast water intake operations and indicating those tanks to be discharged.
    4. The Master has onboard a valid copy of the ballast water management agreement.

Vessels that cannot comply fully with the conditions described in a), b) or c) must proceed out of Scapa Flow to under take any de-ballast operation they require.

In accordance with b) , iii) the Master to obtain permission to discharge ballast must provide the Port Authority with a ‘Ballast Water Reporting Form’ (SF 07-008) or similar indicating the position and time of taking onboard and/or exchange of the ballast water and a ‘Ballast Water Discharge Request Form (SF 07-009) or similar indicating those tanks and quantities being requested for discharge. Written permission will be forwarded to the Master either directly or through the Ship’s agent as appropriate.

Ballast water management agreements with the Harbour authority as described for vessels in c) are only applicable to specifically named vessels, when the particular circumstances of their regular trade and ports of call can be positively identified; allowing the Harbour authority to examine the issues and risks associated with ballast water management as applicable to that vessel and therefore consider if any special agreement where the conditions are developed through a process of risk assessment and considered analysis maybe appropriate other than as described in b). These agreements will only be applicable to Scapa Flow.

The Port authority at their discretion may require a vessel to submit to ballast water sample testing and analysis prior to being given permission to discharge, and place limits on the total quantity to be discharged in Scapa Flow or require additional safe guards or restrictions.

Download Ship’s Ballast Water Discharge Request  Form (PDF Format)

Download Ballast Water Reporting Form (PDF Format)

Complete Ship’s Ballast Water Discharge Request  Form online

Complete Ballast Water Reporting Form Online