Breakthrough for OceanSaver
In 2003 two young gentlemen knocked on the door at Höegh’s technical department, bringing with them a sketch and an idea of how to clean ballast water onboard ships.
The development of the OceanSaver ballast water treatment, (BWT) system commenced in 2003 and the pilot installation onboard Höegh Trooper was done in 2005 The system was IMO approved in 2009. IMO regulations call for BWT on all existing ships from 2016 and new buildings with keel laid from 2012.
According to United Nations, the introduction of invasive marine species by ship’s ballast water is considered one of the most serious threats to the world’s oceans. That means marine species such as jellyfish, crabs, fish etc. are taken onboard via the ballast water in one part of the world and discharged in another part of the world. In their new environment, these species might not have any natural enemies and might outnumber and displace local species.
The OceanSaver has some added benefits. One of the treatment processes involves the injection of nitrogen to reduce the amount of oxygen in the ballast water. This has shown a reduction in the corrosion rate within the ballast tanks. The maintenance of ballast tanks is very costly and is to a large degree of vital importance to the vessel lifespan.
In 2008 Höegh Autoliners signed an agreement to purchase 10 units OceanSaver BWTS for installation onboard future newbuilding and as retrofit onboard existing vessels. The OceanSaver system is installed onboard the Hoegh Trooper and a retrofit installation onboard Höegh Trove is underway and is estimated to be completed during the 2nd. half of 2010.
The company has now grown to a company with 23 employees and a substantial order backlog in some of the world's largest shipyards.
For more info visit OceanSaver home page: OceanSaver where you can also see recent News clips as well as a video describing the BWTS.
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