New water treatment system cleans ballast water and the Baltic Sea ecosystem
ESL Shipping ESL Shipping's dry cargo vessel MS Pasila is the first Finnish ship to operate the ballast water treatment system developed by Auramarine.The system is necessary particularly when vessels sail between the Baltic Sea and other marine regions. For instance the American Ctenophore, or comb jelly, has in recent years spread extensively in the Baltic Sea region, destroying its natural ecosystem.
– The transmission of alien animal and plant species from one sea to another poses a serious threat to the environment. By installing a ballast water treatment system in MS Pasila we do our part in protecting the environment and contributing to the wellbeing of our marine regions, says President of ESL Shipping Markus Karjalainen.
The system's mechanics is based on the simultaneous filtration and UV treatment of ballast water. Auramarine CEO Heikki Saaros mentions that UV technology is effective and safe for example because it does not require the use of hazardous chemicals.
The ballast water treatment system is considered indispensable for traffic between different marine regions, and the International Maritime Organization IMO is currently in the process of executing a new legislation, according to which similar systems should be installed in up to 30 000-40 000 ships in the next 10 years.
– That means a several billion euro market and significant employing effect for companies in the field, which is of course extremely positive from the viewpoint of Auramarine's business, comments Saaros.
– ESL Shipping intends to continue installing ballast water systems in its vessels, Karjalainen confirms.
www.eslshipping.com
www.auramarine.com
www.imo.org
MT
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