UV-based BWMS gaining ground on big ships

UV systems have traditionally been considered suitable mainly for smaller ships, due to their significant power requirements and the challenges of treating turbid water in deep tanks. But Alfa Laval noted that it has won around 90 orders for PureBallast 3.1 systems of 1,000m3/h capacity or greater.

The company also pointed to recent orders from gas carrier operator Nakilat and DS Tankers, which will take two 2,000m3/h systems and a single Ex-certified 2,000m3/h system respectively, as evidence that UV systems are gaining ground on bigger ships.

Alfa Laval noted that modern UV systems compete with EC counterparts in terms of footprint and energy efficiency, even at flows of 1000m3/h or greater.

Anders Lindmark, head of Alfa Laval PureBallast, added: “No chemicals are needed to treat the ballast water or to neutralise residuals, which means there will be no chemical handling on the part of the crews. And just as importantly, there will be no risk of corrosion in the system components or ballast water tanks. Those things make a difference for any vessel, large or small.”