CMA CGM, one of the world’s largest container carriers with a fleet of 454 vessels, has contracted France-based BIO-UV Group to supply its BIO-SEA ballast water treatment systems to 17 containerships, including new builds and retrofits.
Vessel specs
Nine liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled 22,000TEU vessels currently under construction at China’s CSTC Shipyard will each be fitted-out with two 3,000m3/h capacity BIO-SEA B 10-1500 FX units, while eight 9,000TEU capacity Opera-class ships will be retrofitted with a BIO-SEA B 10-1000 FX unit capable of treating ballast water flow rates of 1,000m3.
Milestone agreement
Benoit Gillmann, President and CEO, BIO-UV Group, said, “Beyond the dynamics of this milestone agreement, the order from CMA CGM, the world’s third largest container shipping company, indicates the industry’s commitment to reducing the impact that the transfer of non-indigenous species has on the marine environment, and beyond.”
BIO-SEA order
The order, which is valued at more than €5 million, is the company’s first BIO-SEA order following the system’s USCG type-approval, awarded on the June 21, 2018.
Xavier Deval, Business Director, BIO-SEA, said, “[The BIO-SEA system] is suitable for all waters of the world in which these CMA CGM vessels will operate and is one of the very few ballast water treatment systems that is currently compliant with both USCG and IMO requirements.”
Two stage treatment process
The UV-type ballast water treatment system is available as a skid mounted, semi-modular or modular system capable of dealing with flow rates between 10 and 2,000m3/h. To date, it is the only UV system on the market with no limit for freshwater retention, 24 hours in marine water, and 72h days for brackish water.
BIO-SEA is two stage treatment process, with ballast waters entering a 20μm filter to flush out any suspended solids and zooplankton. The filtered water then enters a titanium reactor to be put through the ultraviolet disinfection process. The system is also equipped with an automated operating, monitoring and alarm with power regulation.
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Source: Marine Link
