The maritime industry is on the brink of a significant shift with the introduction of the portable InTankFITT® Container, a groundbreaking innovation from Scienco/FAST in collaboration with UniBallast, B.V. This containerized version of the filterless Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) known as InTank® is set to transform how shipowners and operators manage ballast water, a critical aspect of maritime operations that has been fraught with regulatory challenges and operational inefficiencies.
At the heart of this innovation lies a compact and portable design. Housed within a standard shipping container, the InTankFITT® Container is preassembled, allowing for seamless integration into existing operations. This means that a single treatment system can be shared among multiple vessels or barges that don’t require continuous ballast water treatment. It’s a game-changer for operators looking to optimize their resources without sacrificing compliance or efficiency.
Regulatory compliance is a hot-button issue in the maritime sector, especially as environmental regulations tighten globally. The InTank system addresses these concerns head-on. With its automated treatment process, the system guarantees compliance by checking treatment twice and recording the Total Residual Oxidant (TRO) before discharge. This level of automation not only simplifies the compliance process but also provides easy-to-read treatment reports that can be accessed by the crew, port authorities, and customers. This transparency is crucial in an industry where accountability is paramount.
Operational efficiency is another significant advantage of the InTankFITT® Container. The filterless design eliminates the cumbersome and time-consuming filtration processes that have traditionally bogged down ballast water management. This means reduced operational downtime and lower maintenance requirements—a win-win for ship operators who are always looking to maximize their time at sea. The system’s ability to be fitted to a port-based ballast water reception barge simplifies the process of receiving water from discharging vessels, making it a breeze to manage ballast water intake and discharge.
Moreover, the scalability and flexibility of this containerized solution are noteworthy. Designed for retrofits and temporary applications, the InTankFITT® Container can be mounted on a vessel’s deck or placed on a temporary platform, making it adaptable to various operational contexts. With the capacity to treat up to 50,000 Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) or handle 500-5,000 cubic meters of ballast water across multiple tanks, this system caters to a significant portion of the maritime market.
Rudy Mes, Sr. Vice President at UniBallast, encapsulates the essence of this innovation: “This new capability not only simplifies ballast water management but empowers ship-owners and operators to achieve compliance with confidence and ease.” With the InTank Container available for hire or purchase starting in 2025, the maritime industry is poised for a transformative leap forward in ballast water management.
As we look to the future, the implications of this technology are profound. The InTankFITT® Container not only streamlines compliance but also encourages a more sustainable approach to ballast water management. This could very well set a precedent for further innovations in the sector, pushing the envelope on what’s possible in maritime technology. The potential for improved environmental stewardship combined with operational efficiency is an enticing prospect that could redefine industry standards.
