Answer
Under the IMO International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention), the definition of a "New Ship" is governed by Regulation A-1 and Regulation B-3.
Statutory Definition
A ship is defined as a New Ship if its keel is laid or it is at a similar stage of construction on or after 8 September 2017 (the date the BWM Convention entered into force globally).
Regulatory Difference: New vs. Existing Ships
Category | Construction Date | Ballast Water Management Standard |
|---|---|---|
New Ship | Keel laid on or after 8 September 2017 | Mandatory D-2 Standard upon delivery. Must be fitted with an approved Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) before entering service. |
Existing Ship | Keel laid before 8 September 2017 | Were permitted to use the D-1 Standard (Ballast Water Exchange) temporarily, but must have complied with the D-2 Standard by their first IOPP Renewal Survey after 8 September 2019. |