Currently, there are no IMO standards for the separation of fats, oils and grease from galley water. The oily mix of galley water enters the onboard treatment process and causes system failure and possible pollution.
The industry should develop treatment standards for galley water which would prevent oily galley water being discharged directly overboard or bypassing the treatment system altogether. Simple grease traps were not sufficient to separate neutrally buoyant substances or more dense solids which can spill over into the discharge side of the unit.
Manufacturers, should as a minimum look to match, or exceed, the land-based regulations for grease separator performance covered in the DIN V4040-2/99 and rated at EN1825 or better the EN1825+, which define the limits for lipoid content of any discharge from the separator.
ACO Marine has published a White Paper to offer guidance on how to specify grease separation plant in order to optimize the wastewater treatment process.
ACO Marine has probably the largest share of the cruise ship market for grease separation technologies with operators including all the major brands. It’s Lipator and Lipatomat grease separation systems have been installed by many of the leading passenger ferry, offshore, super yacht and naval vessel builders.
Source: ACO Group
