Oil recovery system gains recognition

This formal classification recognition of FORS’ relevance and efficiency enables the owners of the already-equipped 35 ships, including CMA-CGM’s Andromeda and Christophe Colomb, to claim recognition of their commitment towards safer and more sustainable shipping through wearing the FORS label.

With the fast oil recovery systems, maritime transportation players now have at their disposal, and for the first time, an on-market, effective, costless and proven solution to prevent the environmental consequences of sea accidents. Because the FORS allow fast recovery, without hull piercing drilling, of pollutants trapped inside ships, they are among the best solutions to prevent oil spills.

Backed by the CEDRE (Centre of Documentation, Research and Experimentation on Accidental Water Pollution) and developed together with the world’s leading salvage companies, FOR systems were developed in response to an alarming fact that 20,000 ships are sailing on the high seas at any one time without any access on board to easily and rapidly empty the cargo and bunker tanks in case of accidents. The FOR Systems end complex and slow salvage processes thanks to offering permanent, quick and standardized access to the cargo and bunker tanks for the salvage teams.

Gilles Longuève, director of JLMD Ecologic Group, declared: “10 years of research and development have been necessary for JLMD to develop the appropriate know-how now in compliance with the Bureau Veritas FOR Systems notation. The new FORS label edited by the certification agency confirms efficiency and great potential of our technology. We have made sure we offer an effective, simple, tailor-made and immediately available solution for all the players of maritime transportation who wish to demonstrate their commitment in favour of environment. The FOR Systems are adaptable to all ships and require limited investment while allowing significant reduction of sea accident consequences. The FOR Systems are the first Risk-Based-Approach solution class noted by major classification society.”

Ludovic Gerard, director of fleet and new construction for CMA-CGM, added: “With the FOR System, JLMD is answering a need that is growing within the shipping industry for efficient post-accident technologies. Our teams have worked together with JLMD in order to perfectly adapt the system to the container ships bunker tanks. This technologic innovation is totally in line with CMA-CGM’s environmental strategy. It is now onboard of all of our new vessels.”