BWTS ordered for Japanese bulkers

The 72,000dwt bulkers are being built to DNV class and each vessel will be fitted with a 1,200m³/h type approved Mark II OceanSaver system. The first two systems will be commissioned in 2012 and will incorporate OceanSaver’s second generation design, for which the company claims reliability, low maintenance requirements and low power consumption.

The Mark II system features a fully back-flushing filter with 40 micron screens. The system results in a pressure drop of less than 0.7bar. Disinfection is achieved through the on-board generation of oxidants delivered to the ballast flow via side stream injection from OceanSaver’s C2E sea water activation module. OceanSaver’s BWTS is claimed to perform according to IMO D-2 rules in high saline water, brackish water and fresh water. The company says that many harbours have very low salinity levels or fresh water, so a BWTS must be able to address and properly function under all these conditions.

Gearbulk operates a large fleet of open hatch gantry and semi-open jib craned vessels, purpose-built to carry forest products, non-ferrous metals and steel. “We seek enduring quality in all aspects of our business and we found the Mark II technology desirable from a full lifecycle perspective,” said Magne Aunebakk, head of projects, Gearbulk Norway. “The use of quality components in a design that has been taken beyond the first generation market offerings gives us confidence in OceanSaver as a technology partner. DNV’s type approval program for ballast water treatment equipment is robust and we believe that it minimises any risk related to design, installation and on-going operational safety.”

OceanSaver’s order book is now approaching 50 vessels. Sumitomo Corporation is the exclusive agent for OceanSaver in Japan and the company looks forward to further developments with many other Japanese shipyards and shipping companies.

“We are pleased to partner with such an important industrial shipping company like Gearbulk. We look forward to creating substantial value for Gearbulk through our technical expertise and proven BWT solutions,” said Tor Atle Eiken, senior vice president sales & marketing, OceanSaver. “Now through the strength and network of Sumitomo, a first-class and competent agent in Japan, we will facilitate the further growth of OceanSaver into a top BWT leader, providing quality solutions to the Japanese market.”

“OceanSaver BWT systems perform reliably in all conditions, from fresh to salt water and from cold to hot water. This was an important technical feature and determining parameter in our decision. We needed a versatile and flexible solution that could function without fail in all water environments,” said Aunebakk.