WÄRTSILÄ’S BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM RECEIVES U.S. COAST GUARD TYPE APPROVAL

The technology group Wärtsilä’s Aquarius EC Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) has been granted type approval by the U.S. Coast Guard. The approval verifies the product has met the specified regulatory, technical and safety requirements, and represents an endorsement of its design and efficiency principles.

As part of the approval process, the Aquarius EC (Electro-Chlorination) system’s technology underwent an extensive land and sea test program, during which it delivered exceptional performance. This follows similar approval given by the International Maritime Organization in 2013.

The Aquarius EC is capable of treating ballast water volumes from 250 cubic metres/hour to 4,000 cubic metres/hour (or 326 to 5,231 cubic yards/hour). The system utilizes a simple and efficient two-stage process that comprises both filtration and an electrolysis unit. The resulting neutralization effectiveness is continuously monitored to ensure full compliance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships discharge regulations.

The Wärtsilä Aquarius UV system, the company’s alternative technology, has completed all Coast Guard testing requirements, and type-approval certification is expected to be granted before the end of this year.