Wärtsilä and Trojan Technologies sign agreement to launch BWT system

The two companies will gain synergistic benefits from the combined strength of Wärtsilä’s global reach and presence in the marine market, and from Trojan Technologies’ leadership and experience in developing ultraviolet treatment solutions. The ballast water treatment product is presently in pre-production, with third-party validation to take place in late 2010. The innovative ballast water treatment product is expected to enter the market at the end of the year.

Changing regulations in the marine industry have driven the need for this new ballast water treatment product. In 2004, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the Global Ballast Water Convention, which mandated ballast water treatment. Water that is taken in at one port is often released at another, which can result in the introduction of non-indigenous organisms into fragile ecosystems.

According to the Global Ballast Water Convention, all vessels built prior to 2009 will need to install a certified BWT system by 2014 or 2016, depending on the ballast water capacity of the vessel. Since 2009, all new vessels are required to install a BWT system. For the convention to come into full force, it must be ratified by 30 countries representing 35 percent of the global fleet’s dead weight tonnage. Currently 21 countries representing 23 percent of the world’s dead weight tonnage have ratified, and full ratification is expected to occur in 2011.

Trojan Technologies has over 30 years of experience in developing ultraviolet treatment solutions. As major player in developing UV technology for municipal wastewater, drinking water, and industrial water treatment systems, Trojan Technologies was a logical partner in providing Wärtsilä with UV technology for ballast water treatment. Trojan Technologies has the experience, and the research and development capabilities to develop an energy-efficient, integrated, proprietary technology with a compact footprint and the flexibility to upgrade as regulations continue to evolve.