When considering installment of a ballast water treatment system on new buildings or existing vessels, it is essential to specify the system to fulfill all your requirements. Vessel type, vessel size, trade pattern and the ballast pump capacity, are among the factors you have to consider when specifying a suitable technology.
Certification
- The BWTS should have Final Approval from IMO and Type Approval from flag state
- The Type Approval certificate should be issued by the makers own flag administration or entity acting on their behalf such as a Classification Society
- For installation onboard tankers with pump room or submerged ballast pumps, the system must have Ex approval in principle from Class
Installation
- Will there be a pressure loss taking BWTS, pipes and valves etc. into consideration? For retrofit, can existing ballast pumps be modified or must new pumps be installed?
- What is the required footprint, and where will the BWTS be installed? Do you have required space available in designated area?
- What is the power requirement, during ballasting and de-ballasting? Will specified generators deliver sufficient electrical power? For retrofits, can existing generators be utilised or do they have to be modified?
- What will be the total installation cost and what is the installation time for a retrofit?
Operation
- If the system requires any consumables during operation, what is the cost, availability and space requirements of these consumables?
- What is the minimum holding time in ballast tanks before de-ballasting can commence?
- Is the system requiring treatment prior to discharge (treatment, neutralisation of oxidants etc.)
- Can the system be operated in Fresh Water, Sea Water, Low Temperature and High Temperature?
- Are any toxic bi-products, gases, hazardous waste etc. produced during operation or maintenance?
Compliance
- Is the system compliant to the IMO PSPC (Performance Standard for Protective Coatings)?
- Is the system in compliance with General Class requirements?
- For systems using electrolysis/electrochlorination technology or ozone, is the levels of oxidants left in ballast water within recommendations from coating manufacturers to prevent accelerated coating breakdown and limitations on warranty?