Ballast Water Management Newport sells first Optimarin system Newport Shipping has sold the first BWM system from Norway’s Optimarin under their strategic alliance as the pair target an expected rush of retrofits for such systems, with time running out for shipowners ahead of an IMO deadline for compliance. Around 35,000 vessels still need to install such systems, according to Clarksons Research, with only 40 months remaining until a September 2024 deadline for all ships to comply with IMO’s so-called D2 standard for ballast water discharges. This alliance enables Newport Shipping to offer shipowners a turnkey package for BWM system retrofits - from project management to installation and compliance testing - as part of a drydocking stay for repair or class renewal work, with available capacity at its 15 partner yards world-wide for fast turnaround. Newport Shipping also offers deferred payment typically for up to 60% of the total cost of a BWM retrofit over a period of up to 24 months, subject to a credit assessment. In addition, retrofits and other drydocking services can be booked online via its Newport Maritime Services platform. The yard-supplier partnership has now secured the first order for the Optimarin Ballast System (OBS) from a wellknown German shipowner, with other potential orders in the pipeline. Optimarin has so far delivered around 800 such systems, with another 400 on order, and the flexible modular design of the OBS makes it
The Ecochlor BWM system
easy to install and adaptable for a wide range of ship types, with the supplier able to deliver at short notice within only 10 days of the order date. Its advanced system, with a high level of redundancy, is based on proven technology being constantly developed after more than 20 years of reliable operation and is supported by a global after-sales service network. Operation and maintenance of the OBS has been significantly enhanced by the recent launch of the OptiLink cloud-based digital solution that facilitates remote troubleshooting 24/7 and data analytics for fleet-wide BWM, which is incorporated in a new service frame agreement.
Ecochlor announces completion of testing US-based Ecochlor has announced the completion of all land-based and shipboard testing for the filterless, EcoOne BWM system in
preparation for an application for USCG and IMO BWM system Code Type Approvals. DNV was chosen to act as the Independent Lab (IL) throughout the entire process and has been responsible for the evaluation, inspection, testing oversight and submission of the EcoOne BWM system Type Approval applications. The land-based biological efficacy (BE) testing was undertaken by the Golden Bear Research Centre (GBRC) in California, USA. GBRC performed the tests, analysed samples, and managed test results in the format required by the IL. Whole effluent toxicity testing was also performed successfully as part of the landbased trials. The Shipboard testing, undertaken by DHI as sub-laboratory, was completed to evaluate the BE and related shipboard operational performance (OP) of the EcoOne BWM system on-board a commercial vessel. DHI performed the shipboard tests, analysed samples, managed test results in the format required by the IL. Due to global pandemic restrictions, shipboard testing was allowed to be performed on two commercial vessels owned by Maran Tankers, a VLCC and an Aframax, during their typical vessel voyage routes within the six-month testing period. The filterless EcoOne BWM system is a onestep treatment process utilising ClO2 alone. Vessels operating this system can operate anywhere in marine and brackish waters (i.e., ≥ 1PSU) and with no restrictions on temperature or turbidity. The EcoOne Hybrid BWM system has a dual mode of operation with both filtration & ClO2 or ClO2 alone. This system will allow shipowners to operate their BWM system either with or without a filter. This option will be suited for shipowners seeking the flexibility of unrestricted operation in freshwater globally, with the convenience of a no-filter system. Vessels that already have an Ecochlor BWM system with filters installed can upgrade to the Hybrid option with minimal cost.
New design from BIO-UV
Newport Shipping has access to a wide global network of partner shipyards, including China’s PaxOcean Zhoushan Shipyard
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France’s BIO-UV Group, founded some 21 years ago, has designed a new series of BIOSEA BWM systems compatible with flow rate requirements of up to more than 2,100 m3/hr. The new M-Series BWM system incorporates a novel reactor arrangement designed to increase the flow rate capacity of existing technology without the need for any manifolds. A range of ‘M’ reactors have been designed for different capacity requirements. These
