The Great Ships Initiative (GSI) is a innovative collaboration whose objective is to end the problem of ship-mediated invasive species in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System, including through independent research and demonstration of environmental technology, financial incentives and consistent basin-wide harbor monitoring.

The near-term objective of the GSI is to significantly accelerate research, development and implementation of effective ballast treatment systems for ships that visit the Great Lakes from overseas. To that end, the GSI has established research capabilities at three scales—bench, land-based, and shipboard. Each scale is dedicated to addressing specific evaluation objectives, with protocols as consistent with IMO and federal requirements as practicable.

Developers of ballast water treatment systems apply for GSI research services online, and awards are offered based on an objective review process, regardless of the state of development of the proposed treatment. GSI incubation/ testing will assure meritorious ballast treatment systems will progress as rapidly as possible to an approval-ready and market-ready condition.

© Great Ships Initiative 2008.