Formed in 2019 by Wallenius Lines and Svenska Orient Linien (SOL), WALLENIUS SOL is creating an independent – and green – shipping infrastructure around the northern Baltic Sea
“Our main clients are in forest industries, and the environment is essential for them,” says Ragnar Johansson, Managing Director of WALLENIUS SOL. “Their supply chain needs to be as neutral possible.”
The green ambitions are evident in the two Mega RoRo vessels that will be delivered to WALLENIUS SOL in 2021, which will have LNG-fuelled engines and a wide range of sustainable technologies on board. Those technologies include Alfa Laval PureBallast 3 for ballast water treatment.
Among other things, the RoRos will use battery power to manoeuvre in port and be able to connect to the local grid during port stays – rather than generating electricity with the engines. “These vessels will be around for the next 30 years, so we need them to be equipped with the best and most sustainable technology available,” says Johansson.
However, trouble-free operations will be just as important as sustainability. The vessels will be key to smooth logistics in the cold and brackish Baltic waters, which is why they will have ice class 1A Super. In addition, they will rely on UV technology for ballast water treatment. Unlike electrochlorination systems, which become less efficient as the temperature drops, UV systems like PureBallast 3 are unaffected by salinity and cold.
PureBallast 3 was chosen after thorough investigation, including benchmarking of energy efficiency and other technical strengths. “The purchase price is one thing, but the system will cost money every day,” says Johansson. “So energy consumption is extremely important.”
When it came to OPEX, however, one of the biggest strengths was the supplier behind the solution. Long-term access to service and spare parts was a crucial factor.
“There are cheaper makers than Alfa Laval, but we will need services and spare parts for the next 30 years or so,” Johansson explains. “We want a maker that is present in the area we operate in, and that can guarantee reliable access to service technicians and spare parts. Alfa Laval is a strong, innovative and stable Swedish company.”
Even beyond service, Alfa Laval’s strength and experience will be important for WALLENIUS SOL in coming years. Besides being installed on the RoRo newbuilds and two sister vessels if optioned, PureBallast 3 will retrofitted on the company’s three existing vessels when the time is due.
“Especially in retrofits, engineering is a big part of the total cost,” says Johansson. “Alfa Laval helps with that, using all the experience they have doing hundreds or maybe thousands of vessels. Alfa Laval is the company used most when it comes to retrofits, because they have excellent technicians and offer outstanding services when it comes to retrofit projecting.”
Whatever the project, newbuild or retrofit, Johansson concludes, “Alfa Laval’s experience plays a significant role.”
To learn more about Alfa Laval PureBallast 3, visit www.alfalaval.com/pureballast
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