USCG-approved tests of Alfa Laval BWTS set for Q2 completion

Stephen Westerling Greer: We are fully convinced of PureBallast's ability to meet the USCG criteria, so what remains is to demonstrate it according to the USCG's preferred method

MARCH 17, 2016 — Following the United States Coast Guard (USCG) decision not to accept the most probable number (MPN) method in assessing ballast water treatment systems (BWTS), tests of Alfa Laval PureBallast are underway using the USCG-approved CMFDA staining method.

The CMFDA tests are expected to be completed during second quarter 2016, enabling Alfa Laval to submit a new USCG type approval application after receiving the results.

Alfa Laval says that no changes are required to PureBallast, which is already approved by the USCG as an Alternate Management System (AMS).

“Alfa Laval has both a robust biological disinfection technology and a system with AMS approval,” says Stephen Westerling Greer, Global Business Manager for PureBallast. “We are fully convinced of PureBallast’s ability to meet the USCG criteria, so what remains is to demonstrate it according to the USCG’s preferred method. This we are doing quickly in order to support our customers.”

Though U.S. ballast water regulations took effect in 2012, no systems of any technology have yet been type approved by the Coast Guard.

Meanwhile, notes Alfa Laval, the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention is edging closer to implementation. Recent ratifications by Belgium and Fiji bring the combined gross tonnage of ratifying countries to 34.8%, just 0.2% shy of the percentage required to bring the convention into force.

PureBallast, which was the first commercially available ballast water treatment system, is a chemical-free system sold and serviced by Alfa Laval. A vital component of the system is its Enhanced UV Reactor, which was developed jointly by Alfa Laval and Wallenius Water based on Wallenius Water Technology.www.alfalaval.com