Ballast water management system from Siemens gets Basic Approval from IMO

April 8, 2010
WARRENDALE, PA, April 8, 2010 -- The Maritime Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) of the United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) has granted Siemens Basic Approval for its SiCURE ballast water management system...
WARRENDALE, PA, April 8, 2010 -- The Maritime Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) of the United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) has granted Siemens Basic Approval for its SiCURE ballast water management system. Basic Approval indicates that the process used in the SiCURE system is suitable with respect to the safety of the ship, its crew, and the environment.

The introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) via ships' ballast water is an increasingly disastrous ecological issue. Numerous mechanical, physical and chemical treatments that may reduce such occurrences are presently being investigated. The 2004 International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments is the major driving force for the development and adaptation of ballast water treatment systems.

The SiCURE system combines physical separation with a proprietary process of on-demand treatment with biocides produced in-situ from seawater. SiCURE proprietary control logic regulates the system's parameters to provide treatment efficacy while minimizing any impact on the environment and the safety of the ship and its crew. As part of the rigorous IMO approval process, the SiCURE system successfully underwent freshwater testing. It is currently being saltwater tested, which will lead to Final Approval. The last approval stage, Type Approval, is expected to be given in 2011. The SiCURE system will be featured in the Siemens booth at the Shipbuilding, Machinery and Maritime Equipment (SMM) trade show in September 2010 in Hamburg, Germany.

Water treatment equipment is an important part of the Siemens Industry Solutions Division's complete marine technology product offering. Siemens also specializes in the design, manufacture and commissioning of electrical equipment for all types of merchant vessels, naval vessels and submarines worldwide. This includes turnkey projects and conversions and covers the entire ship's life cycle.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent marine pollution from ships. It is also involved in legal matters, including liability and compensation issues and the facilitation of international maritime traffic. It currently has 169 Member States.

SiCURE is a trademark of Siemens Water Technologies and its affiliates in some countries.

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies and comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility und Osram. With around 207,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry achieved in fiscal year 2009 total sales of approximately €35 billion. http://www.siemens.com/industry

The Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities comprising the business activities of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies, Water Technologies and Industrial Technologies. Activities include engineering and installation, operation and service for the entire life cycle. A wide-ranging portfolio of environmental solutions helps industrial companies to use energy, water and equipment efficiently, reduce emissions and comply with environmental guidelines. With around 31,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Solutions posted sales of €6.8 billion in fiscal year 2009. Further information and downloads at: http://www.siemens.com/industry-solutions

###

Sponsored Recommendations

Meet the future of MV switchgear

SureSeT new-generation metal-clad. Smarter. Smaller. Stronger.

A digital circuit breaker built for the future

EvoPacT medium voltage digital vacuum circuit breaker

The New Generation of Intelligent MV Switchgear

Step into the future of electrical infrastructure with Intelligent MV Switchgear - where traditional equipment becomes smart, providing real-time data on critical components like...

Switchgear goes digital with SureSeT

Discover what you can do with Square D natively digital MV metal-clad switchgear.