For shipowners, staying compliant is crucial, especially when it comes to managing waste and emissions.
Merchant vessels deal with various waste types—exhaust, bilge water, solid refuse, ballast water, and sewage—all of which have strict regulations. Among these, ballast water treatment is essential for nearly all deep-sea shipping operations. If a treatment system fails, it can lead to expensive delays in cargo handling.
To ensure smooth sailing day after day, a reliable ballast water treatment system (BWTS) is vital.The relationship with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) can be the deciding factor between keeping a vessel operational or facing downtime.
SUSTAINED SUPPORT
Alfa Laval has been at the forefront of ballast water management solutions since before the BWM Convention took effect in 2017. They installed thousands of systems globally and have maintained their leadership as many competitors have exited the market or scaled back operations. This consolidation makes it increasingly challenging for shipowners to maintain older systems; finding parts and skilled technicians from disinvested OEMs can be tough.
As support dwindles and inspections by port state control become more rigorous regarding BWTS compliance, shipowners face significant risks if their systems fail during cargo operations.
This predicament has led some owners to opt for complete replacements of their BWTS units. Many are choosing Alfa Laval’s PureBallast 3 system; they’ve already replaced over 250 outdated systems from various manufacturers and anticipate more demand ahead.
“We’re seeing more owners making that difficult choice to switch out their existing systems for something more dependable,” shared an Alfa Laval representative.
The appeal lies in stability and ongoing support from Alfa Laval as they are not only a leading BWTS provider but also boast extensive service networks worldwide along with compliance packages that offer peace of mind. “Building strong relationships with your BWMS supplier is crucial,” emphasized the spokesperson. “Preventive maintenance beats troubleshooting any day—it saves money in the long run.”
Continuing its commitment to innovation, Alfa Laval has rolled out an updated model based on customer feedback in 2024 that performs well under varying conditions—even murky waters—and boasts energy efficiency compared to other UV options—a key consideration during peak power usage while ballasting or deballasting.
BALLAST WATER SOLUTIONS
If your ballast water treatment system malfunctions while docked for loading cargo—what’s next? Do you halt operations waiting on repairs?
A clever solution comes from SciencoFast based in Missouri: they’ve developed a containerized version of their InTank ballast water treatment system designed specifically for use while ships are at port. This innovation could save busy merchant vessels thousands daily by minimizing downtime costs!
The containerized InTank retains its core function—chlorinating and treating tank water—but it’s portable! just lift it onto deck and connect circulation lines into each tank,” explains Rudy Mes from SciencoFast’s Operations team.”
The beauty lies in its automation; this self-monitoring unit handles dosing and neutralization without needing specialized crew training or extra effort! After processing time elapses, it generates compliance certificates proving proper operation—a handy document when dealing with authorities!
“It tracks treated tanks’ status including chemical levels injected over time,” Mes adds confidently.” It guarantees safe discharge into open waters.”
This lightweight setup works on any vessel up to 50k dwt (or larger using multiple units),utilizing standard industrial bleach available at ports while consuming minimal power during high-demand periods like docking!
SciencoFast envisions even broader applications: imagine mounting this containerized unit onto barges providing mobile ballast treatment services! Ships could offload directly into barge tanks where sanitation occurs later—no waiting around required!
BIO-UV hails from France specializing in UV-based disinfection technology as ’98! Initially focused on shoreside applications before pivoting towards marine solutions compliant with BWM regulations—they’re known across yacht markets too thanks largely due compact designs like those found within cruise ships’ pools & spas!
A recent project saw BIO-UV deliver six units tailored specifically for American offshore vessels alongside developing new tech aimed at U.S Navy testing phases currently underway!” Their latest offering targets pool sanitation aboard cruise liners using similar principles as existing BWTS models ensuring effective microorganism elimination rates exceeding customary chlorination methods!”
This innovative device allows cruise operators substantially reduce chlorine levels needed by up-to seventy-five percent thus minimizing harmful side effects associated such treatments improving overall passenger experiences according company representatives!”
PRACTICAL INSIGHT
Fort Lauderdale’s Headhunter stands tall within marine sanitation circles boasting expertise honed through luxury yacht projects delivering complete black/graywater solutions capable handling volumes reaching fifty thousand gallons daily !
Notably , contracts secured include work done supporting U.S Navy Military Sealift Command utilizing TidalWave HMX onboard Expeditionary Fast Transport catamarans plus follow-on hospital ships !
< p > A cornerstone behind Headhunter’s success stems quality aftersales service pivotal military clientele . “We’ve received positive feedback regarding our technical support,” states President Mark Mellinger . “Service calls span globally—from Philippines through Croatia , Singapore , Bahrain , Italy right down West Coast USA —never missed one yet!”
< p > Mellinger’s reputation extends beyond just business ; he was invited join IMO subcommittee focusing pollution prevention response helping shape MARPOL Annex IV revisions ! ” It’s an honor being selected representing U.S manufacturing interests” he notes proudly .” My input helped refine sewage regulation details ensuring practical guidance aligns better real-world designs used international waters.”
< p > Additionally advocating basing requirements upon actual onboard personnel rather than solely vessel size would yield efficiencies reducing displacement/power consumption ultimately saving fuel/emissions too!” says Mellinger passionately . “People drive sewage production—not tonnage alone!”
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