Damen’s InvaSave Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS), the world’s first system to operate in ports and mobile operations is to be unveiled for the first time at the DelfSail sailing festival, north Netherlands, which is being held from June 30-July 3.
The ‘plug & play’ technology is a mobile BWTS that provides ship owners with a mobile and cost-effective alternative to retrofitting fixed BWTS and gives port authorities the option and flexibility to improve their services to ship owners.
The development of the BWTS occurred through cooperation between Damen and Groningen Seaports, the port authority handling the Dutch ports of Delfzijl and Eemshaven. These areas are situated on the coast of the Wadden Sea that contains large areas of unbroken intertidal sand and mud flats and is therefore home to some of the most distinct biological and physical features and organisms and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other partner organisations include Van Gansewinkel and Royal Wagenborg in addition to Dutch marine research institutes Imares and MEA-nl.
The Waddenfonds is a Dutch foundation that is also involved with the preservation of the Wadden Sea and provided significant financial support in establishing the project.
InvaSave will be demonstrated at the DelfSail festival that is expected to attract more than 600,000 visitors. Visitors will be able to view the BWTS at the SummerLabb, a Dutch exhibition platform dedicated to informing the public about sustainable issues.
Bart van der Kolk, Groningen Seaports Sustainability Coordinator, commented: “Our location on the Wadden Sea means that we have a responsibility to push forward the progress of sustainable shipping. We are fully prepared for the ratification of the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention. This project wouldn’t have been possible without the effort of some frontrunners like Royal Wagenborg, Van Gansewinkel, Imares, MEA-nl and Damen.”
Jan Douwe Kroeske, creator of the SummerLabb commented: “It marks a substantial advance in the field of ballast water treatment. It is fitting that the first unit will be operational in the Wadden Sea: an area of considerable ecological importance on an international level.”
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