Considering the most effective BWTS solution

There is a wide selection of Ballast Water Treatment Systems [BWTS] currently available for shipowners – but effectiveness in real-world conditions can vary wildly, explains Konstantinos Stampedakis, Managing Director of Erma First.

Erma First’s research has shown that a full-flow electro-chlorination proposition is the most effective approach.

Water salinity and clarity can seriously affect the ability of a BWTS to work to its full potential. But a full-flow electro-chlorination system – which is supported by filtration – can manage large volumes quickly with low power consumption. Turbidity and low ultraviolet transmissivity do not present the same challenges for an electro-chlorination system as they ordinarily would to a UV system.

The flexibility of full-flow electro-chlorination makes it a hands-down winner for spot trading shipowners. The salinity and clarity of the waters in which a vessel is trading affect the ability of a BWTS to work properly. A spot trading vessel needs to be able to meet all global and local ballast water requirements, including the US. A full-flow electro-chlorination system, backed up with filtration, can handle significant volumes quickly with low power consumption. It also doesn’t take up vital cargo space, and can be installed in a timely and cost efficient manner.

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