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Albion Marine is proud to announce that recently we have completed the installation of 2 twin 1500m3/hr Alfa Laval Ballast Water Treatment Systems on the largest UV type of Vessel at Remontowa Ship Repair Yard, Poland, with great success.

As per the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004, which has been in effect since 2017, it's necessary for vessels from all countries to manage their Ballast Water and to follow the same rules and safety precautions to protect our ecosystem and biodiversity. 

Albion marine has vast experience worldwide and can help you in the installation of Ballast water treatment systems. Moreover, it provides turn-key" BWTS retrofit packages which include: Project Planning, BWTS Selection, Optimized Shipboard Survey and 3D Scan, Basic Engineering, Detailed Engineering, Logistic and Procurement Support, Installation, Completion and Commissioning, Crew Training, Operation Support and Ballast Water Sampling Services. Albion Marine Engineers and technical professionals are trained in all aspects and will do everything in compliance with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) guidelines. 

The recent study on ecotoxicity was conducted following IMO GESAMP guidelines by DHI (Danish Hydraulics Institute) appointed by EGCSA (Exhaust Gas Cleaning System Association). The study tackles the question of whether or not the water discharged by scrubbers is harmful. To perform the study, discharge water was taken from four ships operating in northern Europe with open-loop scrubbers. The samples were homogenized and presented to different levels of marine organisms. In every case, the risk of ecotoxicity was much below the level that could be considered unacceptable. The results demonstrate that the Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems, specifically the open-loop scrubbers, do not endanger the marine ecosystem.

According to Don Gregory, Director of the EGCSA commented that  The study's findings were not surprising. The report debunks the myths and unsupported claims of some NGOs attempting to outlaw the use of residual fuel oil. Moreover, the study assures ports, harbors, and other authorities about the legality of operating open-loop scrubbers in their jurisdictions. Claims would face another 3.5 years of elevated Sulphur emissions if scrubbers were not installed.

Albion Marine Solutions is a turnkey service provider that emphasizes and focuses on creating a sustainable operating environment within the marine industry by providing economical and environmentally friendly exhaust gas cleaning system solutions. To reduce and completely diminish the impact of marine exhaust gas emissions on the environment, mainly by Sox and NOx Sulphur oxide and Nitrogen oxide, respectively. Albion professional team is well prepared to plan, execute and support the retrofit of scrubbers, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems on client's vessels and the acceptance of turnkey exhaust gas cleaning systems to comply with IMO's existing and future emissions rules. To learn more about the study, you can also visit the official EGCSA website Ecotoxicity assessment gives open loop scrubbers the all clear – EGCSA

The Ballast Water Regulations come into effect in Canada on June 23, 2021. Under the Canada Shipping Act 2001, these regulations are one way that Canada is protecting our environment and economy from aquatic invasive species. By 2024, all vessels must comply with these new regulations. Ballast waters make sure and enable vessels to sail safely. The water adds weight to the vessel, allowing it to float at the appropriate depth while maintaining its level and stability. When a vessel has to be stabilized, such as when cargo is unloaded or loaded at ports in adverse weather conditions, ballast water can be taken on board or released.

Why is it necessary to regulate ballast water?

Implementing new Ballast water regulations will directly bring down and diminish the risk of vessels being unintentionally introducing and spreading aquatic invasive species. Species, which live in the water and become harmful when they are not in their natural habitat) and pathogens ( Disease-causing bacteria and viruses) to environments outside of their natural range. These species can quickly multiply in numbers if they do not have natural predators in their new environment. This might have severe economic and environmental consequences.

The Ballast Water Regulations now go one step further by addressing species dispersion within Canada and species transfer from Canada to other countries. This will help in protecting global biodiversity. As per regulations it requires all Canadian Vessels and other vessels entering Canadian waters must:

• Create and implement a ballast water management plan that has been validated.
• Adhere to guidelines that limit the number of organisms released.
• Be surveyed and inspected regularly by an authorized organization.
• Maintain records and carry a valid certificate that allows inspectors to verify that the vessel is in good working order.

The restrictions benefit all Canadians and apply to anyone in charge of a vessel built to transport ballast water, including Canadian and foreign vessels entering Canadian waters. Unless they do business in Canada and take on or release ballast water, American vessels transiting between U.S. ports in the Great Lakes will not be governed by Canada. For more information, visit Managing ballast water (canada.ca)

Albion Marine solutions would like to respect seafarers and honors the importance and contributions of sea transportation to global trade and the economy. The Day of the Seafarer, held on 25 June every year, draws global attention to seafarers' contributions to world trade. The world is steadily improving through the global pandemic, which has halted the global economy worldwide. So, it's very much essential than ever to recognize mariners' efforts to keep the supply chain open amid challenging conditions when there was lockdown worldwide. Moreover, ensure that the future being built is fair to them. That's why the subject of the IMO's 2021 Day of the Seafarer campaign is "A Fair Future for Seafarers."

According to IMO ( International Maritime Organization), "Our 2021 Day of the Seafarer campaign builds on the progress to support seafarers on pandemic-related challenges. It aims to draw global attention to all areas where fairness is essential. This includes a safe, secure environment on ships, reasonable working conditions, fair treatment in all situations, as well as respect for the rights of all - regardless of race, gender and religion."​. For more information, visit Day of the Seafarer 2021 explores fair future (imo.org)