The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology

U.S. Coast Guard approval for Alfa Laval

(Posted on 10/01/21)

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) have issued its type approval for Alfa Laval PureBallast 2. Most owners of Alfa Laval’s second-generation ballast water treatment systems can now opt to continue operating in United States waters, even when their Alternate Management System (AMS) approval expires.

The PureBallast 2 system generation, launched a decade ago, was developed long before the USCG presented its testing regime. As a result, certain technical modifications were needed before PureBallast 2 could undergo USCG testing. With the modifications in place, a PureBallast 2 system with a Boll & Kirsch filter completed the tests in April 2020, and the solution has now received USCG type approval.

“We are proud to bring USCG type approval to owners who selected PureBallast early on,” says Peter Sahlén, Head of Alfa Laval PureBallast. “A ballast water treatment system should last as long as the vessel, and we are committed supporting PureBallast customers throughout that lifetime. No matter when they made their purchase, Alfa Laval is behind them.”

Owners who wish to take advantage of the USCG type approval will need to perform a minor upgrade of their PureBallast 2 systems, comprising the necessary adjustments to meet USCG requirements. After upgrading, PureBallast 2 systems will be approved for operation in both seawater and brackish water.

“The transition to USCG type approval will be a simple service option for shipowners,” says Sahlén. “Alfa Laval’s global service organization focuses not only on securing uptime, but also on bringing customers maximum benefit from their equipment choice. With the USCG type approval upgrade for PureBallast 2, we provide yet another way to keep ballast water treatment systems optimized over time.”

PureBallast, which was the first commercially available ballast water treatment solution, is a chemical-free technology sold and serviced by Alfa Laval. A vital component of PureBallast is the enhanced UV reactor, which was developed jointly by Alfa Laval and Wallenius Water based on Wallenius Water technology. All PureBallast systems are available with both IMO and U.S. Coast Guard type approvals.

Alfa Laval is active in the areas of Energy, Marine, and Food & Water, offering its expertise, products, and service to a wide range of industries in some 100 countries. The company is committed to optimizing processes, creating responsible growth, and driving progress – always going the extra mile to support customers in achieving their business goals and sustainability targets.