…
Under the auspices of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST) UAE Branch, industry leading Ballast Water Treatment System manufacturer – Alpha Laval sponsored an enriching knowledge sharing session focusing on their USCG type approved system which has a flexible construction allowing for optimized sizing and competitive solutions over a wide Ballast water flow range.
The event was attended by a record number of 150 delegates from regional ship owners and managers, top management of suppliers and service companies, independent surveyors, classification society executives, inspectors from Flag Administrations and port officials from the Middle East.
…
In his opening speech, Nikeel Idnani, Honorary Secretary IMarEST UAE, highlighted the fact that ships must invest significantly in the installation of a Ballast Water Treatment System starting September of 2017. He cautioned that compliance with this regulatory behemoth could be scuttled if the big-ticket system does not conform with IMO’s Performance Standard & USCG legislation.
Dr. Bev MacKenzie, Technical Director IMarEST addressed the audience via Skype from London. She shared key highlights of the 6th IMarEST BW conference held at the IMO on 12 January 2017. The IMarEST’s consultative status at the IMO provides a channel for the voice of the maritime community to be heard in the development of international maritime regulations and standards. In general, numerous worldwide conferences on the BW Convention have not made a measurable impact. Conversely, Bev indicated that significant suggestions/queries at the ongoing IMarEST meeting in Dubai will be submitted by IMarEST to the relevant committee of the IMO. The Middle East maritime fraternity will be heard and can help ensure that emerging legislation is practical and fit for purpose.
Erik Möller, Technical Support Manager Alfa Laval PureBallast, pointed out that Alfa Laval had received U.S Coast Guard type approval for the third generation of its ballast water treatment system Alfa Laval PureBallast 3.1. The approval allows ship owners who ballast and deballast in United States waters to make a confident choice of treatment technology. Erik explained that Alfa Laval PureBallast has a flexible construction based on four different UV reactor sizes. This allows for optimized sizing and competitive solutions in all types of waters including fresh, brackish and low-clarity water, at full flow where UV transmittance is as low as 42%.
Besides meeting the demands of the USCG, the Alfa Laval PureBallast 3 family is prepared for the revised IMO G8 guidelines determined by the recent MEPC70 meeting. Pending a few final tests of biological efficacy, a completed application for an updated G8 certificate is expected during the first half of 2017. Erik explained that Alfa Laval is prepared for the increased demand triggered by the ratification of the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention.
There was active participation from the 150-member audience during the ensuing Q&A session. A senior executive remarked that the crude oil tanker market faces headwind for the current year and the end is near for some tankers compelled to install a BWTS which provides no monetary benefit. This philosophy was challenged by another delegate who argued scrapping was a ‘permanent solution to a temporary problem’.
…
Jacque Powell, Honorary Chairman IMarEST UAE branch, presented a token of appreciation to the speaker – Erik Möller. Reciprocating the valuable cooperation with IMarEST, Harshath Bolar of Alfa Laval handed over a memento of gratitude to Nikeel Idnani.
The evening concluded with a generous business card raffle prize draw and a spread of contemporary international cuisine at the Ramada Jumeirah.
