Ready for the off

摘要

Shipowners reluctant to commit to ballast water treatment systems are still making plans for the day when they will become mandatory. In many newbuildings, space is being earmarked at the design stage and in some cases preliminary fittings are also being installed. Some existing vessels are also being prepared for retrofit as highlighted by a recent announcement from Waertsilae. Two Ro-Ro ferries owned by UK-based Condor Ferries are to be retrofitted the company's new AQUARIUS READY ballast water management system solution. The AQUARIUS READY concept has been developed by Waertsilae to prepare vessels for the fitting of systems while minimising vessel downtime, thereby enabling more efficient operations. The contract was signed in February 2014 and the final equipment delivery will take place within 12 months from the ratification of the IMO Convention.