One of the main attractions of yachting is the promise of crystal-clear waters and beautiful destinations. Technology that protects the marine environment is increasingly required to ensure this promise is met, says Dimitris Avdelopoulos, Director of EPE Yachting.

Sustainability and preserving marine environments are increasing priorities for superyacht guests, but it is yacht owners and managers who must ensure that no pollutants are discharged into the ocean.

Having been identified by the International Maritime Organization as one of four main threats to the marine environment, ballast water regulations are considered key to conserving marine ecosystems. Applying to vessels of 400 GT and above, IMO’s Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention makes effective ballast water management a fundamental consideration in the transition towards sustainability for larger yachts.

EPE Yachting, a division of the leading marine environmental protection organisation, Environmental Protection Engineering (EPE), is on a mission to protect the world’s oceans and support owners with their transition to sustainable yachting. EPE Yachting offers a complete range of sustainable solutions that are ideally suited for use on superyachts, including the world’s smallest, simplest and lowest-cost ballast water treatment solution, oneTANK.

The oneTANK system is a game-changer for smaller vessels. The USCG, IMO Revised BWM Code and DNV Type Approved system is already helping many yacht owners comply with the stringent ballast water regulations.  With a footprint of only 600mm x 600mm - half the size of its nearest competitor – oneTANK is considered ideal for superyachts, especially where space is limited. Furthermore, its power consumption is similar to that of a household washing machine making it very economical to run.

However, what sets oneTANK apart from other systems is its simplicity: it uses chemical in-tank treatment and nozzle mixing. There is no need for filters, backflush pumps, UV lamps, clean-in-place units, hydrogen gas safety or venting. Furthermore, there are no transformers, rectifiers, flow meters, and no control valves.  

The system uses an 8.25% or 12.5% sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and 30% sodium thiosulfate solution which can be purchased from suppliers worldwide. Application is practical for yachts as a 20-litre container of 12.5% bleach will treat approximately 288 cubic meters of ballast water.

Seawater is automatically treated by applying and mixing the bulk chemicals in-tank, allowing crew to discharge ballast according to the yacht's schedule.

Environmental Protection a Priority

There are two environmental concerns associated with the use of any chemicals when treating ballast water: active substances and disinfection by-products. oneTANK has been tested to demonstrate the removal of viable aquatic invasive species while also ensuring that residual chemical levels are environmentally acceptable.

oneTANK treats water by raising the total residual oxidant (TRO) level in the ballast water tank to an average of 5 mg/L for at least 24 hours. This ensures effective treatment of the ballast water and associated piping. The same in-tank treatment process neutralises the active substance to less than 0.1 mg/L before the ballast water can be discharged. This ensures that the receiving harbour does not receive any significant active substance. For perspective, the World Health Organization recommends at least 0.5 mg/L at drinking water taps.

Moreover, oneTANK encapsulates the concept of a circular economy as it uses no exotic materials, no filtration, and no transformers or rectifiers. It uses very little steel - weighing only 216 kg – and its low power needs mean fewer integration points and reduced cabling. At the end of its life, the system can be completely recycled. With regulations tightening and guests expecting sustainability measures to be proactive, a 360-degree approach to environmental protection is becoming essential.

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Environmental Protection Engineering

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