Mission

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

Goal

The overarching goal of the GSI is to resolve the problem of ship-mediated invasive species in the Great Lakes as quickly, effectively and economically as possible, and in coordination/ cooperation with prevailing regulatory regimes.

Objective

The specific objective of the GSI is to accelerate research, development and implementation of effective ballast treatment systems for ships that visit the Great Lakes from abroad.

Research capabilities

To achieve its research and development objective, the GSI has established research capabilities at three scales--bench, land-based, and shipboard scales. The GSI activates these capabilities to provide intensive testing services to developers of ballast treatment prospects suitable to Seaway-sized vessels. Meritorious systems can thereby progress as rapidly as possible to an approval-ready and market-ready condition. (services & facilities)

Harbor monitoring

The GSI will work collaboratively with federal, academic and state entities to establish consistent and credible harbor monitoring for newly established invasive species in harbors throughout the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system.

Implementation assistance

The GSI will support early and effective implementation of ballast treatment on ships that visit the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system from abroad through offering financial incentives for early installation and technical assistance for effective operation of treatment equipment.