Environmental Compliance – Ships’ Waters and Sludges

Pollution from ships’ waters and sludges can damage the marine environment, harm marine life, reduce biodiversity and endanger human health. To protect against these threats, a variety of national and international regulations have been implemented. Through our environmental compliance services for ships’ waters and sludges, SGS provides robust, reliable and accurate sampling and analysis to ensure you meet regulatory requirements.

We offer water and sludge testing to comply with standards set forth by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Vessel General Permit (VGP) 2013 and International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions for ballast water, exhaust gas cleaning systems and other discharges to meet your compliance needs.

Our ship water and sludge sampling and analysis services for cruise ships, ferries, yachts and superyachts and all other commercial ships include:

Ballast water – sampling and analysis according to the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention 2004 and the US EPA VGP
Ballast water management system commissioning – sampling and analysis according to IMO BWM.2/Circ.70/Rev.1
Bilge water – sampling and analysis according to the US EPA VGP
Biofouling characterization (2023 biofouling guidelines)
Exhaust gas cleaning system (scrubber) – sampling and analysis according to IMO MEPC.340(77) and the US EPA VGP
Graywater – sampling and analysis according to the US EPA VGP
Recreational waters (pools, saunas) – sampling and analysis to various regulations
Sensor accuracy check – in compliance with IMO treaties, EU Directive 2014/90/EU on marine equipment, and the US EPA VGP
Sewage – sampling and analysis according to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 73/78 (MARPOL) Annex IV requirements
Verification testing programs – compliance monitoring devices (ballast water) and in-water cleaning systems (biofouling) (according to applicable regulations)

Your first choice for ship environmental compliance

With over 145 years’ experience working with the maritime industry, and teams in over 550 ports around the globe, we are the first choice for ships, ports and coastal managers looking to comply with regulations, minimize global environmental problems and meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. We offer efficient, cost-effective solutions to help you protect your business, your stakeholders and the environment.