Alfa Laval, a manufacturer of ballast water treatment systems, said that customer interest was at an all-time high with the IMO Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention taking effect in September.

“Of particular note is interest in PureBallast systems with high flow capacities,” the company said in a statement. 

The IMO and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) type-approved PureBallast 3.1 features a unique single-filter solution, which enables higher capacities – up to 6000 m3/h – with a small footprint, according to a statement.

“Traditionally, many have operated under the assumption that high flows require chemical treatment systems,” noted Kristina Effler, global business manager for Alfa Laval PureBallast. “But today, more ship owners and operators are seeing the benefits of PureBallast’s enhanced UV disinfection technology, which can handle a much broader range of flows than other UV systems.”

The company said the benefited included reduced installation costs and a lower OPEX, meaning substantial savings over vessel life cycle.

“The high interest in Alfa Laval PureBallast provides clear evidence of growth in the retrofit market, and there are many reasons this is happening right now,” added Anders Lindmark, who heads up Alfa Laval PureBallast, Alfa Laval Marine Division. “We have received lots of interest directly tied to our recent USCG type approval, and we’re also seeing greater numbers of ship owners preparing for the IMO convention.”

For ship owners who put off selecting a ballast water treatment system during the lengthy ratification process for the BWM Convention, the global requirements taking effect in September leave little time to make a decision.

“Alfa Laval is well prepared to guide customers who are only now entering the market,” noted Lindmark. “We’ve developed a wealth of knowledge in more than a decade of experience with ballast water treatment, and we’re providing resources to help ship owners understand their options.”