SeaCURE ballast water system completes international approval process

The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency of Germany (Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie) has granted type approval for the SeaCURE ballast water management system, a product of Evoqua Water Technologies. This concludes the product’s international approval process, which began in 2012.

The SeaCURE system utilises a process that first injects biocide into ballast seawater before it reaches the large surface filter intakes to reduce the growth of marine organisms that can clog the filters. Next, Chloropac concentric tubular electrodes (CTE) generate sodium hypochlorite from the natural salinity in seawater.

The product eliminates the need to purchase biocides and store or replenish them onboard. It thus provides an alternative to ballast water treatment without adding chemicals, noted Lars Nupnau, Evoqua director of marine global business development.

The system features low energy requirements and low maintenance costs due to the self-cleaning feature of the CTE technology. Control logic monitors the biocide dose level necessary to provide the required efficacy depending on ballast water conditions.

SeaCURE is available as a compact skid or as modular components depending on user requirements for installation in new builds and existing ships. It is particularly suited for retrofit installations because biocide generation takes place in a small side stream from the ballast water main, minimising footprint.

The side stream generation method also offers advantages for installation on tankers. The modules can be placed in a way that only the filter and analyser module are installed in the hazardous area of the cargo pump room, while the main parts of the system remain in the safe area.

“This type of approved solution can enable ship owners and operators to cost-effectively meet invasive aquatic species environmental regulations,” said Nupnau.

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