What oil content level in ballast water is considered clean?

The standard for what is considered a clean level of oil content in ballast water is set at 15 parts per million (ppm). This threshold is important because it ensures that the discharged ballast water does not cause harm to marine environments or violate international regulations. Levels above this limit may lead to ecological damage, and thus, the 15 ppm limit is put in place to safeguard marine life and maintain environmental integrity.

This level is defined under various regulatory frameworks, including the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, which emphasizes the need for strict controls to prevent oil pollution from ships. The choice of 15 ppm strikes a balance between operational feasibility for shipping operations and the necessity to protect the marine environment.