Ecochlor has filed an application for the EcoOne™ Filterless and EcoOne Hybrid™ ballast water management systems (BWMS) with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) for Type Approval. “This application is an amendment to Ecochlor’s existing BWMS Type Approval; it is our expectation that the EcoOne™ and EcoOne Hybrid™ will receive USCG type approval certification by the end of 2021,” said Steve Candito, CEO.
“Receiving IMO Type Approval and filing the application for USCG Type Approval is a significant milestone for us as it offers the assurance to shipowners that the EcoOne™ and EcoOne Hybrid™ BWMS have successfully passed the most recent, more stringent standards in efficacy in accordance with the USCG, Standards for Living organisms in Ship’s Ballast Discharged Waters, Final Rule (Final Rule). Additionally, we completed whole effluent toxicity tests in accordance with USCG Final Rule,” said Pete Thompson, VP of Operations. Type Approval applications have also been submitted to Class Societies LR, KR, BV, ABS as well as the French and Hellenic Flag Administration.
The Ecochlor® BWM systems often exceed class society and industry standards and are ‘fit for purpose’ all the way down to the component level. Each of the systems rely on the same powerful, core ClO2 technology, which has distinct advantages over other disinfection techniques. It is effective on all aquatic organisms, can operate anywhere in the world and does not require retreatment or neutralization at discharge.
“The benefits of EcoOne™ BWMS and EcoOne Hybrid™ BWMS to the shipowner are immense since issues with filters can be severe, especially in very turbid, challenging waters,” commented Steve Candito. “The EcoOne™ BWMS offers fewer operational obstacles and less maintenance with even lower power needs. There are no TRO sensors which can interrupt ballasting and de-ballasting operations, and no electrodes or complex power supplies. The new systems also offer owners the options of gravity ballasting and deballasting.”
The filterless EcoOne™ BWMS can operate anywhere in marine and brackish waters (≥1PSU) with no restrictions on temperature or turbidity. The EcoOne Hybrid™ BWMS (in filter mode of operation) has no operational limitations with temperature, turbidity or salinity and allows operation with filter or no-filter. This feature ensures that shipowners have the flexibility of unrestricted operation globally but with the convenience of a no-filter system.
Andrew Marshall, VP of Business Development, speaks to the eagerness with which shipowners have embraced the EcoOne™ and EcoOne Hybrid™ BWMS entries into the market. He disclosed: “In the first half of 2021, we received a record number of orders from new customers ─ Companhia de Navegação Norsul, JMB Shipping, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp., and Sirius Shipmanagement, they were looking for the flexibility we offer with our one-stop-fits-all options of BWMSs, along with our superior global servicing capabilities. Additionally, many of our repeat customers ─ Andriaki Shipping Co., Ltd. Anglo Eastern Ship Management, Athenian Sea Carriers Ltd., Bahri Ship Management, Euronav Ship Management, Maersk Tankers, Maran Tankers Mgmt. Inc., Minerva Marine, Inc., and Sonangol Marine Services have also responded enthusiastically with additional orders. These shipowners recognize that we have removed the issues that have long troubled shipowners with their BWMSs by ensuring that our systems are not only easy-to-use for the crew but in compliance every single time they run a ballast operation.”
Ecochlor’s IMO Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) Code Type Approval certification for the EcoOne™ BWMS and EcoOne Hybrid™ BWMS offers shipowners the flexibility to choose the best system for their vessel’s operation.
Ecochlor®, Inc. is pleased to receive IMO BWMS Code Type Approval for its EcoOne™ and EcoOne Hybrid™ BWMSs from the Norwegian Maritime Authority. This certification is an amendment to Ecochlor’s existing BWMS Type Approval and is in accordance with the recent and more stringent standards set by IMO Resolution MEPC.300 (72), Code for Approval of Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS Code).
As predicted at the launch, in September 2021 we received IMO BWMS Code Type Approval for these systems and are on track to get USCG Type Approval by the end of the year.
During the certification process, the EcoOne™ BWMS was tested extensively to ensure that it works effectively as a single-step system using chlorine dioxide (ClO2) treatment technology, without a filter and in all operating conditions in brackish and marine waters. DNV was the independent laboratory (IL) and took overall responsibility for the entire process of evaluation, inspection, testing and submission of all type approval applications for the system.
Land-based biological efficacy tests were undertaken by the Golden Bear Research Center (GBRC) in California, USA. The Shipboard tests, undertaken by DHI as sub-laboratory, were completed to test the biological efficacy and related shipboard operational performance of the EcoOne™ BWMS on board commercial vessels. This testing was performed on two vessels owned by Maran Tankers, a VLCC and an Aframax, during their typical voyages.
Pete Thompson, VP of Operations, who spearheaded the R & D of the EcoOne™ BWMS and EcoOne Hybrid™ BWMS noted, “our team is very excited to bring these new and innovative BWMSs to market. We have worked diligently over the last 18 months along with DNV, Maran Tankers, Golden Bear and DHI to test the EcoOne™ BWMS and EcoOne Hybrid™ BWMS to the highest standards possible in compliance with IMO testing requirements and to ensure the operational reliability that is expected from every single Ecochlor system.”
Ecochlor has long been recognized as a leader in the BWM industry with one of the simplest and easiest to use systems available in the market. With this approval, Ecochlor now offers three different BWMS products:
Ecochlor® BWMS (filtration and ClO2): Vessels operating this system can operate anywhere in the world with no restrictions to temperature, salinity or turbidity.
EcoOne™ BWMS (ClO2 alone): Vessels operating this system can operate anywhere in marine and brackish waters (≥1PSU) with no restrictions on temperature or turbidity
EcoOne Hybrid™ BWMS (Dual mode filtration and ClO2 or ClO2 alone): This option allows operation either with or without a filter allowing shipowners the flexibility of unrestricted operation globally but with the convenience of a no-filter system.
Each of these systems relies on the same core ClO2 technology, which offers very distinct advantages over other ballast water disinfection techniques. Andrew Marshall VP of business development explains why ClO2 is particularly well-suited as a filterless BWMS option: “ClO2 technology is not affected by suspended sediments or turbidity. Therefore, filtration is not necessary to remove sediments prior to treatment, unlike UV technology. Additionally, ClO2 technology primarily reacts with living organisms (rather than reacting with all organic matter) and does not require significantly increasing the dose to effectively treat the ballast water. On the other hand, sodium hypochlorite or electro-chlorination-based technologies react with any organic matter living or dead and require a very large increase to the chemical dose to ensure treatment efficacy. This increased dosage requires additional power to produce the higher levels of hypochlorite and therefore, could potentially be hazardous to tank coatings and vessel structures.”
“The EcoOne™ BWMS and EcoOne Hybrid™ BWMS IMO Type Approved systems are of great significance to the industry,” states Steve Candito, CEO. “From the time of our new product announcement in April 2021, shipowners have responded enthusiastically and we have received a record number of orders. Our future plans include our continued commitment to bring advances and cost savings to the market that not only enhance our product lines but improve our already notable service operations.”
DNV was chosen to act as the Independent Lab (IL) throughout the entire process and has been responsible for the evaluation, inspection, testing oversight and submission of the EcoOne™ BWMS Type Approval applications.
The Land-based biological efficacy testing, was undertaken by the Golden Bear Research Center (GBRC) in California, USA. GBRC performed the tests, analyzed samples, and managed test results in the required format by the IL. Whole effluent toxicity testing was also performed successfully as part of the land-based tests.
The Shipboard testing, undertaken by DHI as sub-laboratory, was completed to test biological efficacy and related shipboard operational performance (OP) of the EcoOne™ BWMS on board a commercial vessel. DHI performed the shipboard tests, analyzed samples, managed test results in the required format by the IL. Due to global pandemic restrictions, shipboard testing was allowed to be performed on two commercial vessels owned by Maran Tankers, a VLCC and an Aframax, during their typical vessel voyage routes within the 6-month testing period.
Steve Candito, Ecochlor CEO said, “From our first test in September 2020 to its completion in June 2021, the EcoOne™ system has gone through an extensive review using the most robust and stringent requirements in the maritime industry for BWMSs. Each step of the process – starting with an engineering design that is even simpler and requires even less maintenance than our two-step filtered BWMS ─ has leveraged Ecochlor’s high standards for excellence and reliability into our new product line. We are pleased to have completed these tests on our new filterless BWMS with very impressive results as confirmed by DHI and GBRC.”
The filterless EcoOne™ BWMS is a one-step treatment process utilizing ClO2 alone. Vessels operating this system can operate anywhere in marine and brackish waters (i.e., ≥ 1PSU) and with no restrictions on temperature or turbidity.
The EcoOne™ Hybrid BWMS has a dual mode of operation with both filtration & ClO2 or ClO2 alone. This system will allow shipowners to operate their BWMS either with or without a filter. This option will be suited for shipowners who wish to have the flexibility of unrestricted operation in freshwater globally, with the convenience of a no-filter system. Vessels that already have an Ecochlor BWMS with filters installed can upgrade to the Hybrid option with minimal cost.
The Ecochlor BWMSs not only meet and exceed environmental regulatory standards, these systems have a reputation in the industry as one of the most dependable in the market with a product line that offers one-stop BWMS options to the shipowner for any vessel, on any trading route, in any port, worldwide!
Prioritizing efficiency, reliability and environmental protection, Ecochlor has a ballast water management solution suitable for every ship and trade route. With three types of BWMS available using our patented chlorine dioxide technology, our solutions provide ship owners and operators with peace of mind and ensure regulatory compliance.
New ballast water management systems will need to be subject to ‘biological efficacy tests during commissioning by June 2022, if not before that date. The logistics and planning for this is often overlooked. Ecochlor CEO, Steve Candito identifies a few simple ways the shipowner can significantly reduce the risk of a failed commissioning test.
To read the Tanker Operator article “Coming soon – ballast efficacy tests” to learn some helpful hints on preparing for these future testing requirements click here.
Ecochlor is excited to announce the launch of EcoOne™, a revolutionary new ballast water management system (BWMS).
“By eliminating the filter, we have taken simplicity and reliability in ballasting operations to the maximum level. Whilst, at the same time, we have maintained the original Ecochlor® BWMS’ high performance and service that customers expect from us,” said VP of Business Development, Andrew Marshall. “Comprehensive R&D and rigorous compliance testing of EcoOne™, along with a strong company philosophy focused on ‘engineering for reliability’, assures customers that every one of our products holds up to our strict ease of use and durability standards. Our powerful ClO2 treatment technology has been tested extensively to ensure that it works effectively as a single pass treatment under all operating conditions with no neutralization or retreatment prior to discharge. Plus, there are no problematic TRO sensors, electrodes or complex power supplies in either the new EcoOne™ systems or the Ecochlor® BWMS.”
Having three systems to choose from helps the shipowner have more control in selecting the mode of BWMS operation that is best suited for their vessel. Ecochlor now offers:
The EcoOne™ BWMS recently completed extensive land-based testing, demonstrating compliance with the most recent, stringent USCG and IMO BWMS Code standards. Real-world shipboard testing is ongoing aboard an Aframax and a VLCC and is expected to be completed in May 2021.
As the leader of Ecochlor, Steve Candito, CEO, has implemented a number of new advances in the Company over the past few years beyond EcoOne™ including improving the efficiency of the manufacturing processes and the expansion of Ecochlor as a “Green Marine” platform in collaboration with other innovative maritime environmental business providers. Mr. Candito commented: “EcoOne™ and EcoOne™ Hybrid represent what a first class BWMS manufacturer can do when it listens to its customers, then shows a little initiative and a lot of innovation. “We developed the new systems in direct response to concerns expressed by shipowners about how existing ballast water treatment processes are inflexible and may not be suitable for all vessels under all circumstances. Our newest BWMSs offer more options to the shipowner, allowing them to make informed decisions for the BWMS requirements for each of their vessels, – all without sacrificing the reliability and ’best in class’ service and support that Ecochlor is known for throughout the industry. “With an eye to the future,” Mr. Candito continued, “Ecochlor will continue to evolve and develop our core BWMS products as well as increase company growth through other environmentally and regulatory compliance focused products and services. We look forward to bringing many more of these exciting new products and services to you soon.”
Ecochlor CEO Steve Candito said, “This award represents a look at the most successful independent small businesses in the NYC area. Our strong market standing and continued growth in the maritime industry highlight Ecochlor’s dedicated commitment to providing a reliable, cost-effective ballast water management system to our clients along with ‘best in class’ service and support.”
Inc. magazine points out that between 2017 and 2019, the 250 private companies on the NYC Metro list had an average growth rate of 214 percent.
“This list proves the power of companies in the New York City area no matter the industry,” said Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “The impressive revenues and growth rates prove the insight and diligence of CEOs and that these businesses are here to stay.”
Additionally, Ecochlor has been honored to be included for the second time, both in the 2021 “Inc. 5000” annual list and having previously been included in the 2019 list, representing the highest private company growth rates for the entirety of the United States.
About Inc. Media and Inc 5000 Regionals
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