TMS Tankers tests RWO Veolia clean bilge monitoring system

Reliable control mechanism prior to discharging bilge water: the compact CBM system from RWO Veolia

SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 — Greece’s TMS Tankers is putting an intelligent clean bilge monitoring system through a three-month practical test.

It has signed a cooperation agreement to test the new CBM-LINK system developed by Bremen, Germany, based RWO Veolia.

CBM-LINK is an intelligent clean bilge monitoring system designed to help make on-board water treatment significantly more efficient and cost-effective. The system’s two components, CBM and the LINK software system, fit seamlessly together.

CBM acts as the final control mechanism before bilge water is discharged. The compact system has a three-way valve, which allows the inflow of treated bilge water and water that is normally uncontaminated, such as condensate from air conditioners. The system independently monitors whether, as prescribed by IMO Resolution MEPC 107 (49) for particularly sensitive sea areas (PSSA), maximum oil content of 0, 5 or 15 ppm in the water being discharged is complied with and automatically transfers it either directly overboard or to the bilge water tank for further treatment.

This significantly reduces the quantity being treated by the bilge separator. Additional assurance is provided by a two-point measurement of oil content. All modes of operation, valve positions, system configurations, ppm levels and OMD information can be visualized and read via digital and analog interfaces. The system is tamper-proof and prevents the deliberate or unintentional unlawful discharge of contaminated water. Ship operators can thus avoid huge fines.

The LINK software system from RWO Veolia provides a user-friendly overview of system status and is easy and reliable in terms of handling

LINK is a software system which provides detailed information about the operation of the system as well as the composition of the bilge water. The information can be visualized in real time, enabling timely adjustment of system modes. Connected to the ship’s communication system, the system is able to access GPS coordinates. Based on the data collected during the test phase, future features will be developed to further optimize operation of the system. In 2019, for example, it should be possible for LINK to independently determine when filter changes are necessary, making planning for maintenance work considerably more efficient and minimising operating costs and downtime.