NMA Type Approval for Ecochlor BWMS

The new certification applies to the entire range of Ecochlor ballast water management systems (BWMS), with flow rates of between 500 m³/hr and 16,200 m³/hr, meaning that vessel owners may continue to install Ecochlor’s BWMS after the IMO BWMS Code 28 October 2020 deadline.

“For two decades we have continued to test the effectiveness of our system to the highest standards available worldwide,” said Ecochlor’s vice president of operations, Pete Thompson, who coordinated the testing and documentation for the approval. “This commitment reinforces our determination to bring a quality, reliable BWMS to the maritime industry.”

The company completed the additional testing required for active substance technologies for full approval in marine, brackish and fresh waters earlier in the year. The tests confirmed that no changes in equipment or in the operation of the Ecochlor BWMS were required.

Ecochlor uses a two-step treatment process to treat ballast water; filtration and chlorine dioxide. Treatment is during uptake only, with no discharge neutralisation step required and treatment dosage and efficacy are not affected by salinity, temperature or ‘dirty’ water.

After 28 October 2020, all vessels installing a BWMS must comply with the international BWMS Code. Approval pursuant to the previous G8 guidelines (MEPC.174(58)) will no longer be acceptable.