MOL to fit ballast water treatment system on mega crude oil carrier

MITSUI OSK Lines Ltd (MOL) plans to install a ballast water treatment system on a very large crude oil carrier (VLCC), which will be the first such on board system installed by a Japanese shipowner on an existing VLCC.

The company chose the JFE Ballast Ace developed by JFE Engineering Corporation to be installed while the ship is at dock from March to April.

The UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted the Ballast Water Management Convention in February 2004, and its ratification is under way. Ballast water carries marine organisms around the world and can have a negative impact on marine ecosystems.

The project to install the system on the VLCC that uses filters and chemical injection is part of MOL's approach to "contribution to conservation of biodiversity," it said in a release. "MOL continually forges ahead to offer transport solutions that put less of a burden on the global and marine environments. MOL is also preparing to ensure compliance with to the Ballast Water Management Convention by accumulating experience in system installation and operation."

The crude oil carrier to participate in the pilot scheme weights 300,000 tons and has a length of 333 metres and breadth of 60 metres.