IMO approval for another BWTS

The system is one of several considered by MEPC 63, in line with GESAMP report recommendations. Erma says that its system has been tested on land by NIOZ (The Royal Netherland Institute for Sea Research), and has subsequently undergone shipboard trials, which recorded discharge well below IMO D-2 limits, and which should comply with the more demanding US requirements.

The system uses a 200 micron self-cleaning pre-filter, a 20 micron hydrocyclone designed to cope with very high sediment loads and energy efficient electrolytic cells, resulting in claimed advantages of small footprint, low power consumption, simple and low-cost installation, risk-free operation in all sea conditions, stable operation iunder high sediment loads, low operating and maintenance costs, and simple automated operation.

Erma adds that Lloyds Register of Shipping is currently appraising the system in co-operation with the Greek administration, with a view towards type approval certification by the end of March 2012.