Onshore ballast water treatment: A viable option for major ports

► We developed a simulation model of onshore ballast water treatment stations for two iron ore ports. ► We analyzed the operational impact of this alternative for two major ports. ► There were not significant impacts to the terminal service levels, such as load capacity, queue time and berth occupancy rate. ► The onshore ballast water treatment may be applied to ports that receive 2 million m3 of ballast water annually.