Houlder has been engaged with Ballast Water Treatment since The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) legislation governing the discharge was ratified by the nations representing the majority of world tonnage. This new regulation’s impact is already being felt around the marine industry. Julian Mason, Houlder’s Project Director commented “before going down the road of selecting Ballast Water Treatment (BWT) equipment, it is first prudent to examine the operation and ballasting needs of the vessel. Other options may be available.”

Once a solution is selected, choosing a shipyard with the skills and equipment to install BWT equipment may also require independent evaluation.

Having experience in ensuring compliance with legislation, Houlder is able to provide sound advice.  If Ballast Water Treatment proves unavoidable, the amount of ballast regularly expelled, the distance over which the vessel carries ballast, and the specifics of the design of the vessel all influence the type of system required.

The company attended the BWMTech conference at London’s Tower Bridge Hilton at the beginning of December. The focus of the event was the retrofit of Ballast Water Treatment systems, the status of legislation and the maturity of technology.

Conferences such as BWMTech are essential as the industry grapples with the implications of new ballast water requirements. Houlder’s involvement is growing and gaining momentum with a range of meetings and events lined up in early 2017.

Julian concludes “There are many companies that are specialists in one area or act as resellers of certain solutions, but it is clear from Houlder’s experience that owners and operators benefit from independent advice from someone with a view of whole ship operations. Such advice is critical to the success of initial decision making. We are already discussing the benefits of wholly independent engineering and advice with equipment manufacturers and vessel owners. It is going to be a busy twelve months.”