Abstract No.F181003-288

Author name(s): Birgir Nilsen

Company: Optimarin AS, USA

Optimarin AS has delivered more than 500 BWTS since 2000 and has gained significant experiences with retrofit and new builds. The best approach to a successful retrofit project is thorough system selection, planning and preparation, and the right dry-docking yard. It is important for successful implementations that the operator/owner has a realistic expectation for the system that is selected. All systems have limiting factors, such as salinity, UVT, water temperature, etc. and must be incorporated into the ballast water management plan. Training in the system operation and the ballast water management plan will make use and operation in different conditions easier. Our experience with operators that do not invest in training have more system and operation problems, issues that could easily be remedied with better knowledge. The design and engineering phase is crucial. A good engineering partner should prepare a yard specification that includes piping spools, cabling, and all work required so that the owner could get a fixes price for the installation. Selecting the right retrofit yard, with relevant experience. We have seen Ex retrofit that are not to code where short cuts are made and work has to be redone. Price and cost for a BWTS implementation project are two different thing (do it once, not twice). When all preparations with piping cables etc. are made ahead of time, the retrofit will easily be made within planned time and cost. It is Optimarin's experience that small retrofit installation should be done in 5 – 7 days and larger installations in 7-10 days. Installations in hazardous (Ex) areas add complexity and will add time to the installation.

KEY WORDS: Ballast Water Treatment (BWTS); retrofit; Ex; USCG/IMO; type-approval

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