Cleanship Solutions, BWM Retrofit specialists, suggest seven steps to selecting a technically suitable BWMS for a specific vessel, highlighting that this is a critical task as there is already a variety of systems available in the market, operating on numerous combinations of different technologies and treatment processes.
The company emphasizes that the first step in determining the technical suitability of a BWMS is building an understanding of the trading patterns of the vessel, and any limitations on system selection that these may cause. Vessel trading patterns are a critical consideration for treatment system selection, for a combination of reasons, namely: individual port state requirements or local legislation and specific water quality limitations.
Also important in determining the technical suitability of a BWMS is understanding the required approvals and certification of the system itself and ensuring a thorough understanding of the vessel’s existing ballast operations and the total treatment flow rate capacity required.
Once the vessels trading patterns are understood, the ballasting / de-ballasting operations have been investigated, and proposed installation locations identified, the next step is understanding the limitations on accessing the installation location onboard, Cleanship Solutions adds. Also, analysing the capability and suitability of the existing ballast pumps is an important step in the BWMS selection process.
The company suggests the following steps for consideration, highlighting that these are no substitute for a comprehensive feasibility study carried out by an experienced and competent engineering partner.
- Step 1 – Vessel Trading Patterns
- Step 2 -Required Approvals & Certification
- Step 3 -Existing Ballast Operations
- Step 4 – Installation Location
- Stage 5 – Access for Installation
- Step 6 – Power Availability
- Step 7- Existing Pump Capabilities