The US Coast Guard Marine Safety Center after a detailed review of the type approval application determined the system met the requirements of 46 CFR 162.060.
“Today’s decision marks a significant milestone for the maritime industry in addressing the threat posed by invasive species,” said John Mauger, commanding officer of the Marine Safety Center.
“The US Coast Guard’s testing requirements set strong standards for the performance and validation of ballast water management systems under a range of conditions. The issuance of the type approval certificate documents the ability of the Optimarin Ballast System to meet the US Coast Guard’s standards.”
The US standards are more stringent than those under the IMO’s Ballast Water Management Convention which comes into force in September next year.
The Marine Safety Center said it continued to review type approval applications from other BWMS manufacturers.
“While this is a significant milestone, it is the first of multiple system approvals that are needed to mitigate the threat of harmful aquatic invasive species,” said Rear Adm. Paul Thomas, assistant commandant for prevention policy at the Marine Safety Center.
“One size does not fit all, so we will continue to evaluate other systems submitted by multiple manufactures with the intent to provide options that meet shipping’s varying needs.”
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