About Us
Working to make ballast simple again. Independent BWMS consulting since 2020. In the industry since 2006.
An independent BWMS consultancy that has sat in every seat
Simplify Ballast provides independent, manufacturer-neutral consulting to vessel owners and operators worldwide. We help clients select, install, commission, troubleshoot, and optimize ballast water management systems based on real data and practical experience, not on a manufacturer relationship.
Two decades, every seat at the table
Mark Riggio has been in the BWMS industry since 2006. Before founding Simplify Ballast in 2022, he was a port engineer and fleet manager at Crowley Maritime, designed and improved products at BWMS manufacturer Hyde Marine and Filtersafe, served as President of the Ballast Water Equipment Manufacturers Association, and surveyed vessels for ABS. He is BEMA's technical director today.
He's seen the problem from every seat at the table, including yours, which is exactly what it takes when your system isn't working.
Meet the Experts
Mark Riggio
Founder & Principal Consultant
Mark has spent over 20 years working in ballast water management as a port engineer and fleet manager, a marine engineer, a BWMS product manager, the technical director of the industry trade association, and an independent consultant. He has personally inspected, commissioned, and troubleshot systems on vessels around the world.
- Former Port Engineer & Fleet Manager, Crowley Maritime
- Former Senior Surveyor, ABS
- Technical Director, BEMA (its President through 2020)
- BS Marine Engineering Systems, USMMA
- Executive MBA, Katz/Pitt
- Former Head of Marine, Filtersafe
- Former Product/Market Manager, Hyde Marine (Kuraray)
- Former Regulatory Compliance Manager, R&B Falcon Drilling
- Published author and regular industry presenter
- Independent BWMS consultant since 2022
Andy Riggio
Marketing Lead
Andy handles marketing strategy, client communications, and business development for Simplify Ballast. With a background in nuclear power and a methodical approach to outreach, he helps connect vessel operators with the expert guidance they need.
- US Navy Nuclear Power School graduate
- Based in Houston, TX area
- Marketing strategy and client communications
- Business development and outreach
What Sets Us Apart
Manufacturer Independent
We do not sell BWMS equipment. Our recommendations are based entirely on what works best for your vessel, your routes, and your budget, not on sales commissions or manufacturer relationships.
Hands-On Experience
We've actually done the work: inspecting, commissioning equipment at shipyards, and troubleshooting failures at sea. Our advice comes from practical experience.
Global Perspective
Water quality data from ports around the world. Regulatory knowledge spanning IMO, USCG, and regional frameworks. Clients on every major trade route.
We Don't Guess
Data log analysis and water quality testing give us the evidence to back up every recommendation. We show you the data, explain what it means, and tell you what to do about it.