BWTS technology adapted to kill virus
(Posted on 22/04/20)
The ultra-violet light technology used to kill the invasive species found in ships’ ballast water tanks can be used to protect seafarers, health workers and first-responders from picking up the coronavirus from surfaces.
Following research by the France-based company behind the BIO-SEA ballast water treatment, a surface disinfection system will be ready for market introduction by the end of May.
A prototype scanner based around BIO-UV Group’s proven UV-C reactor technology is currently being independently verified.
The 50cm handheld device emits a ray of UV-C which is passed over the surface, taking only seconds to disinfect the scanned area. The scanner can be used to kill the coronavirus from sickbay/hospital beds, tables, computer keyboards, furniture and all other surfaces.
In parallel, BIO-UV Group subsidiary TRIOGEN is currently working on the development of a disinfection system for wet surfaces using ozone.
BIO-UV Group’s founder and CEO Benoít Gillmann said: “We mobilised our R&D team to develop a system of disinfection for surfaces intended, as a priority, for all nursing staff. However, the technology has potential application in other sectors.”
BIO-UV Group is verifying the capabilities, performance and reliability of the prototype in two CE-approved laboratories.
“Since 6 April, progress has been made in the completion of a prototype, the performance of which is currently being tested in compliance with the strictest of international standards,” said Gillmann.
“The aim of this testing is to validate the system’s capacity to disinfect and to eliminate all types of microorganisms using UV-C technology. Once this testing has been finalised, a second laboratory will work over the next few weeks on testing the efficacy of the system in eliminating Covid-19.”
If the UV-C scanner’s efficiency is successfully demonstrated, it will be introduced to medical personnel and healthcare workers from the end of May.
Latest News
CMT: Expanded IMO data collection rule needs engine monitoring rethink
(Posted on 14/01/26)Shipowners and managers are being reminded to review onboard fuel-measurement and data-capture practices... Read more
Cavotec signs second major reel contract from Civmec for Port Hedland
(Posted on 14/01/26)Cavotec has signed another contract with Australian construction and engineering company Civmec for... Read more
Samuel Schär is the new CEO of Bühler Group
(Posted on 06/01/26)As announced in April 2025, Samuel Schär has assumed his position as CEO of Bühler, effective... Read more
Smart Ship Hub expects breakthrough year for digitalisation in 2026
(Posted on 23/12/25)Leading vessel performance platform Smart Ship Hub says the industry should expect a breakthrough year... Read more
Accelerating zero-carbon shipping in the Nordics
(Posted on 18/12/25)The Nordic countries are taking an important step towards decarbonising maritime transport with the... Read more
Steelpaint appoints ADD Marine to drive growth in Greece and Cyprus
(Posted on 18/12/25)Germany’s Steelpaint has appointed ADD Marine as its representative for Greece and Cyprus, strengthening... Read more
Rio Tinto’s first Pilbara-made rail car built by Gemco in Karratha
(Posted on 09/12/25)Rio Tinto’s first Pilbara-made iron ore rail car has rolled off the production line in Karratha... Read more
Electric Liebherr portal crane strengthens Baria Serece, Vietnam
(Posted on 04/12/25)Precision meets progress at Phu My Port, Vietnam. The LPS 550 has been deployed to handle bulk commodities... Read more
bound4blue targets Asian growth with new production capabilities
(Posted on 02/12/25)bound4blue, a global leader in wind propulsion systems, has expanded its industrial footprint in Asia... Read more
DNV: Methanol as marine fuel at high readiness level
(Posted on 02/12/25)As the industry explores multiple decarbonisation pathways, methanol is gaining attention as a practical... Read more
