A November webinar will demystify operator pain points around the operational challenges associated with BWTSs
September 2019 marked the dawn of the much-anticipated retrofit window for ballast water treatment systems (BWTS) and with it comes a new wave of demand. Intensity is expected to peak between 2021-2022, due to survey review dates and IOPP deharmonisation; for those shipowners requiring a system during that time period, a strong relationship with a reliable BWTS manufacturer will be invaluable when it comes to achieving and maintaining compliance.
As the phased compliance schedule of the ballast water management convention’s (BWMC) D-2 standard sets in, demand for ballast water treatment systems (BWTS), and their installation, is on the rise.
Many vessels currently on the water will require retrofit installations in order to achieve complance, meaning owners and operators are finding themselves in the unenviable position of having to make significant investment decisions for their fleets.
Despite these market pressures, however, decision makers must work to make well-informed decisions by going further than simple compliance certification requirements and looking into the future operational requirements for their systems.
System Design Limitations
First, when selecting a BWTS, owners should compare the System Design Limitations (SDLs) listed on the systems’ type-approval certificates to ensure that the system they are selecting is in-line with their vessels’ planned operational routes. Holding times, turbidity, salinity and temperature are all going to impact on the efficacy of a system and should be taken into consideration.
Usability
Another important consideration is a system’s usability. Busy, overburdened crews and therefore a company’s bottom line can reap significant benefits from a system that requires minimal input.
Potentially more expensive, BWTSs offering higher degrees of automation can save money in the long run, especially when you consider the added costs associated with BWTSs that employ active substances.
Scheduling
Project timescales are a significant consideration in preparing for compliance, and it is vital that owners realise the need to plan ahead.
Retrofit projects, including design, delivery and installation phases typically take no less than eight months to complete. Nine-months to a year is the recommended timeframe for scoping a retrofit project from start to finish, factoring in project stages including installation design, fitting, class approval, dry dock availability and testing.
Maintenance and replacement parts
Unfortunately, maintenance is an unavoidable cost consideration for practically any system. As such, owners who partner with an easily-contactable manufacturer that prioritises ongoing support can be investing in a future of fewer maintenance and logistics-related headaches.
The availability of replacement parts has also come under scrutiny, particularly replacement filters.
Given increasing demand and a sellers’ market, lead times across the board are on the rise and owners are not always able to secure their first choice of provider for replacement parts. Recently, it has not been uncommon to see reports of replacement filter screen delivieries taking upwards of 20 weeks. A responsible BWMS manufacturer will know their market, recognise the needs of their customers and the challenges to their suppliers and prepare for these sorts of delays by optimising their supplier base.
Contingency planning tools
Owners and operators need to be engaged in contingency planning, ideally including the above factors and more. System failure is always a possibility, and preparing for all eventualities will stand you in good stead when it comes to minimising disruptions to your operations. Seasoned BWTS manufacturers will often have additional options available to safeguard your system and maintain compliance in the event of a failure. Some of these include data logging and remote diagnostics.
When it comes to preparing for Ballast Water Management Convention compliance, De Nora prides themselves in offering owners partnership along with a product. To discover more insights into operational considerations and the ways in which you can safeguard your BWTS investment, please join us, alongside panellists Mark Cameron (Ardmore Shipping); Tim Wilkins (INTERTANKO), Guillaume Drillet (SGS), Carsten Ostenfeldt (Anglo-Eastern) and Philip Roche (Norton Rose Fulbright) for our November webinar.
WEBINAR DETAILS
TITLE: Ballast Water Treatment Beyond Certification
DATE: Mon, Nov 25, 2019 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM GMT
PARTICIPANTS: Mark Cameron, Chief Operating Officer at Ardmore Shipping Limited; Philip Roche, Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright
Dr Stelios Kyriacou, General Manager - Ballast Water Management Systems - De Nora Water Technologies; Guillaume Drillet, Regional Business Development Manager - Marine Services;
Tim Wilkins, Environmental Director, INTERTANKO; Philip Roche, Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright; Carsten Ostenfeldt, Managing Director at Anglo-Eastern (Germany) GmbH
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