Efficiency of Wärtsilä Ballast Water Management System endorsed with USCG Type Approval
The technology group Wärtsilä’s Aquarius EC Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) has been granted Type Approval by the United States Coastguard (USCG) authorities. This approval verifies that the product has met the specified regulatory, technical, and safety requirements, and represents an endorsement of its design and efficiency principles, the company said in its press release.
As part of the approval process, the Aquarius EC (Electro-Chlorination) system’s technology underwent an extensive land and sea test programme, during which it delivered exceptional performance.
“We are naturally delighted that following a stringent review and investigation process, the USCG has granted Type Approval. This follows similar approval given by the IMO in 2013. Since Wärtsilä offers both EC and UV (Ultra-Violet) technologies, we are uniquely able to provide impartial advice to owners and operators regarding the most suitable system for their particular needs,” says Timo Koponen, Vice President, Processing Solutions, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.
The Aquarius EC is capable of treating ballast water volumes from 250m3/hour to 4000m3/hour. It utilises a simple and efficient two-stage process, comprising both filtration and an electrolysis unit. The resulting neutralisation effectiveness is continuously monitored to ensure full compliance with MARPOL discharge regulations.
The Wärtsilä Aquarius UV system, the company’s alternative technology, has completed all USCG testing requirements, and Type Approval certification is expected to be granted before the end of this year.
Wärtsilä in brief:
Wärtsilä is a global leader in smart technologies and complete lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising sustainable innovation, total efficiency and data analytics, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2017, Wärtsilä’s net sales totalled EUR 4.9 billion with approximately 18,000 employees. The company has operations in over 200 locations in more than 80 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
