Scienco/FAST InTank business development executive Giles Candy looks at what 2023 holds for Scienco/FAST InTank and the industry as a whole
Industrywide, going into 2023 I expect the ballast water treatment sector to continue along the retrofit schedule as predicted. Before the end of IMO’s experience building phase, when D2 compliance will become expected, there will be little impetus to change the metrics that companies have established to select ballast water treatment systems (BWTS).
Scienco/FAST’s InTank is challenging this ’business-as-usual’ outlook as it is a new BWTS treating ballast in the tank, which is unique.
The compliance and operational advantages of InTank are asking owners to revisit the assessments of inline ballast water treatment and look at the advantages of filterless intank treatment.
Strong enough to treat without a filter, InTank ensures biological compliance by checking the progress of treatment. If challenging waters have depleted available TRO, InTank automatically redoses to ensure complete treatment is achieved.
InTank is the only BWTS which goes back to check its treatment and the only system to record neutralisation (TRO compliance) in the tank before discharge.
In 2023, Scienco/FAST will begin installing the new InTank FITT BWTS, a miniaturised version of InTank BWTS intended for smaller vessels. The word ’miniaturised’ is not an exaggeration – at 0.5m2, InTank FITT is very small.
One of the major changes that allows InTank FITT to be so small is the use of an amperometric TRO sensor. This is a significant step forward in TRO measurement both in its compact design and ease of collecting readings. Scienco/FAST will offer this upgrade for existing installations of InTank as well.
The new TRO sensor is offered as an EX-component. Since InTank does not use filters, its pumproom footprint is already very small; and using this TRO sensor will make tanker installations smaller, easier and cheaper, as well as better from an operational point of view. InTank FITT is ideal for yachts and smaller commercial vessels.
As with many tankers on longer voyages, occasionally relocated yachts and coastal vessels may be in ballast for extended periods of time. Extended hold times allow for biological regrowth, and an inline BWTS treating only during uptake does not provide control over regrowth.
InTank, which treats ballast in the ballast tank, can be directed to complete treatment shortly before discharge, giving the vessel full control over regrowth potential and therefore control over biological compliance.
InTank also completes neutralisation in the ballast tank, which gives the vessel full control over its TRO discharge compliance – something the industry is starting to understand is difficult for inline BWTS.
On the regulatory front, I do not see many changes in 2023. There is no indication from the US Environment Protection Agency or US Coast Guard of any movement towards sampling and analysis of ballast discharges, and little likelihood of VIDA being promulgated.
As I write, IMO’s MEPC 79 is yet to be held, but reviewing the agenda is instructive. There are several ballast water-related items, mostly detailed edits, as well as clarifications of the Convention’s requirements. But the most significant item is the continued push to codify bypassing ballast water treatment systems in typical ports with challenging conditions.
Looking for ways to both formalise and expand reasons to bypass ballast treatment is being prioritised over establishing a real-world baseline of BWMS performance and D2 compliance. However, some nations are working to establish ballast discharge sampling programmes.
For vessels installed with InTank and InTank FITT these sampling events will be as painless as they can be. With treatment, including neutralisation, already completed, a sample can be collected without running the BWMS.
Robust InTank treatment and recorded neutralisation assures a compliant sample while the crew gets on with the commercial business of the vessel.
Outcomes from MEPC 97, challenging waters and new developments in ballast water treatment will be discussed during the forthcoming Ballast Water Webinar Week (31 January 2023 - 02 February 2023). Register your interest here.
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