SKF wins first major order for BlueSonic ballast water management system
Dec 16, 2020
SKF has won its first order for its new SKF BlueSonic BWMS ballast water management system at the same time as getting full IMO type approval for the system.
The order has been placed by commercial cargo vessel operator F&L Schifffahrt. The company has a fleet of seven vessels. These include both open-top container ships and multi-purpose cargo vessels, up to 8,500 gross tonnage and operating in Mediterranean and Northern European waters.
SKF will be providing a BlueSonic BWMS system for each vessel; depending on the size of the vessel, either a BlueSonic BWMS with a capacity of 150m³/hr or 250m³/hr will be fitted. SKF will also be supplying full engineering, installation, commissioning and crew training services. Installation will take place in phases as each vessel is routinely taken out of service for class renewal.
Dierk Faust, CEO F&L Schifffahrt says: “The cooperation with SKF is well-established and dates back years. That’s why we chose SKF to equip our complete fleet of cargo vessels with a suitable ballast water management system.We are convinced about both the technology and product quality itself, as well as about SKF´s comprehensive sales and service support.”
Thomas Kaiser, Director of Sales for SKF Marine, explains, “We’re delighted to receive this order from F&L Schifffahrt. By choosing BlueSonic BWMS the company will ensure that it is compliant with the 2024 BWM Convention deadline for all sea-going vessels to have an approved ballast water management system. BlueSonic BWMS will also support F&L Schifffahrt’s long-term commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, by providing them with a solution that eliminates the need for chemicals and is simple to operate and maintain”.
BlueSonic BWMS incorporates advanced ultraviolet lamps, which are continuously cleaned using ultrasound technology operating at varying frequencies. This environmental-friendly approach eliminates the need of any chemicals or by-products. The system comprises just four modules: filter, reactor, power unit and control device. The design is extremely efficient, resists cavitation and corrosion, and meets IMO and USCG requirements. It is also simple to install, easy to use and low-maintenance.
