Development of a ballast water processing system

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has designated ballast water transfer as the fourth greatest threat to the oceans' waters. There has been a massive search for a technology that could meet the ballast system goals of the shipping industry. Marine Environmental Partners Inc (MEP) has addressed these needs involvingtwo-and-a-half years of laboratory research and shipboard pilot plant studies. During this time, MEP's research team evaluated multiple technologies and tested numerous systems for ballast water treatment, and consequently has produced a usable (economical, effective, and safe) ballast water treatment system composed of synergistic technologies. This system - known as MariSan - is said to meet or exceed the requirements of the above goals. A MariSan system was purchased by Carnival Cruise Lines, and installation commenced in January 2003. This paper details the adverse effects of untreated ballast water before focusing on the extensive research and development work involved in the realisation ofthe MariSan system.