Ballast water systems

IMO and USCG type approval is crucial for ballast water management system (BWMS) manufacturers. Control Union Certifications is a US Coast Guard-accepted Independent Laboratory (IL) for testing of BWMS in accordance with 46 CFR 162.060.

    Different services we offer

    Independent laboratory

    We provide a single contactpoint for contracting, planning, execution and QA/QC to deliver the type approval program manufacturers are looking for.
    We subcontract various aspects of the test program solely to USCG-accepted sublabs.

    Independent laboratory
    Control Union Certifications offers the following services as part of our IL scope:
    •         Readiness evaluation
    •         Environmental component testing
    •         Land based testing
    •         Shipboard testing
    •         Whole Effluent Toxicity testing
    •         Disinfection By-product analysis
    •         Scaling study review and verification
    •         Reporting

    IMO G8 type approval

    We offer hybrid test programs to all manufacturers wishing to achieve IMO G8 type approval in parallel with USCG type approval. Valuable synergy is achieved through our role as single contactpoint for both the USCG and the designated national administration. Through day-to-day coordination and regular inspections of sublabs we continuously ensure the quality of the test process.

    Ballast water systems_1
    How you benefit

    Control Union Water

    Control Union Water is one of CUC’s USCG-accepted sublabs, located at Seaport Texel in The Netherlands. For more than 10 years, the facility has been dedicated to land-based testing of BWMS. It offers:

    • A predictable supply of valid challenge water

    • Readily available salinity regimes

    • The ability to test ‘In-tank’ treatment systems

    • Infrastructure to facilitate water flows up to 300 m3/hour

    • Partnership with the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ).

    Additional services

    Additional services

    • IMO G9 Basic and Final Approval testing and Dossier formation
    • Corrosion studies
    • VGP, Vessel General Permit’s incidental discharge sampling and analysis


    R&D services

    • Pre-testing (proof-of-concept, bench-scale or full-scale)
    • “Shanghai” filter test: standardised filtration testing up to 1000 mg/L
    Agriculture farming

    How can we help you?

    Are you looking for a certain service, do you have any questions or do you want to apply for the certification program? Let us know. We’re glad to be of help.