Minimal holding time for PureBallast 3

The certificate grants the system type approval with zero-day holding time in all water salinities. PureBallast 3 owners in US waters now have the option of discharging ballast water just 2.5 hours after taking it on. The holding time of 2.5 hours, which is due solely to a technical testing procedure, is only applicable if the vessel crosses over into another Captain of the Port Zone within this time.

Anders Lindmark, head of Alfa Laval PureBallast, said: “The new, and dramatically reduced, holding time for PureBallast 3 removes a key frustration when operating in United States waters.”

PureBallast 3, like other treatment solutions, has had a mandatory holding time when operating under USCG legislation – despite having no such requirement under IMO legislation.

However, the recent signing into law of the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) paves the way for the USCG to re-evaluate the IMO-endorsed method. If the USCG decides to accept the same testing principle used by IMO, suppliers of UV treatment systems will likely be able to reapply for USCG type approval based on the IMO testing methodology.

“Alfa Laval is closely following the developments related to VIDA, but we have chosen not to wait for a change in the USCG legislation,” said Mr Lindmark.

The updated USCG type approval has an advantage with the use of electrochlorination systems, as they can only achieve short holding times through an increased use of chemicals.