IMO Regulation 2004
In 2004, the "International Convention for the control and management of ship's ballast water and sediments" was published by the IMO (International Maritime Organization), which sets out specific requirements for the detection of microorganisms in ballast water. This was finally ratified in 2016 and is therefore mandatory.
Microbiology of ballast water
The IMO prescribes the specific detection of indicator microorganisms in ballast water: Vibrio cholerae < 1 CFU/100 ml, Escherichia coli < 250 CFU/100 ml and enterococci < 100 CFU per 100 ml.
These values must not be exceeded by the transport ships. Only then may the ballast water be discharged in port.
Scan VIT® ballast water
The product Scan VIT® Ballast Water was developed in close cooperation with SGS and is the only system that fulfills all requirements of the IMO 2004 regulation. With a detection limit of 1 CFU/100 ml for each microbiological indicator, Scan VIT® Ballast Water has an extremely high sensitivity combined with maximum specificity.
It can be used both on board and by the port authority or in laboratories. Manufacturers of ballast water treatment plants can also benefit from this system.
Scan VIT® Ballast water Enterococcus/E. coli
The IMO ballast water regulation comes into force in 2017. This test kit allows you to quickly analyze your samples for E. coli and Enterococcus spp.
Scan VIT® Ballast water Vibrio cholerae
The IMO ballast water regulation comes into force in 2017. This test kit allows rapid analysis for the indicator bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
You might also be interested in
Quality Control of Mineral Water
Microbiological quality control of wells and bottling plants and products of the mineral water industry. Advice and support in the establishment of early warning systems for the prevention of microbiological contamination.
Juices and Concentrates
Microbiological quality control of raw materials and products in the beverage industry. Fast, specific and reliable - insensitive to inhibitors, no false-negative / false-positive results.
Beer and Mixed Drinks
Microbiological quality control of raw materials and products in the brewing industry. Fast, specific and reliable - no inhibitors, no false-negative / false-positive results.