Knutsen Group of Norway has announced its internally developed and produced KBAL Mk II ballast water treatment system has been granted IMO revised G8 type-approval
The KBAL Mk II ballast water treatment system is quite different from other BWMS and achieving IMO revised G8 approval is a significant development. Knutsen Group expects the system to be granted USCG type-approval by the end of 2020.
The KBAL ballast water treatment is based on a pressure/vacuum reactor where the ballast water rapidly changes from positive pressure to vacuum. It then passes through a UV chamber. There are no filters in the ballast water treatment system and no chemicals are involved.
The Knutsen Group shuttle tanker Hilda Knutsen was the first vessel to have Knutsen’s KBAL ballast water treatment installed. It is located in a 10-foot container on top of the deck trunk in front of the accommodation. The power supply and control cabinets are placed inside the accommodation. Operating panels are located in the cargo control room and on the bridge and the system has a 3,000 m3/h capacity.
Development of the KBAL system commenced in 2005 with the KVOC system, which Knutsen Technology has developed, patented and installed on several shuttle tankers. Knutsen Ballast Water AS was founded in 2009 with the aim to develop a ballast water treatment system suitable for marine vessel operations.
In 2012, KBAL received the IMO type-approval certificate from DNV GL. Since then the system has been installed on 14 of Knutsen Group’s shuttle tankers and LNG tankers.
The KBAL control software allows operator to switch between Worldwide mode and IMOeco mode. For port state authorities, the system will generate a report documenting that ballast water operations are compliant and have been performed in accordance with the regulations.
Riviera is hosting a week of free to attend 45-minute webinars focused on marine fuels commencing 29 June. Register your interest now
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.