This study addresses the significant environmental threat posed by the discharge of untreated ballast water in maritime transport, which accounts for about 80% of global trade and carries 3–5 billion tons of ballast water annually. Introduction of alien species by ballast water is one of the greatest challenges to marine ecosystem, biodiversity and human health as a consequence of the risk of transmitting pathogenic organisms including Vibrio cholerae. The paper surveys different ballast water treatment on board ship, with a focus on the importance of an effective and environmentally friendly methods. Long-term heterotrophic bacteria-mediated oxygen starvation is particularly discussed as one of the effective approaches to block the movement of aquatic beings. Treatment strategies that are both effective in controlling species transfer and ecologically sustainable for the recipient ecosystems are highlighted as the focus of this study.