U.S. Coast Guard approves ballast water treatment system

The Coast Guard Marine Safety Center issued the certificate to Optimarin after its application for U.S. type approval was reviewed and determined to meet its requirements.    The U.S. Coast Guard said it issued the first U.S. type-approval certificate for a ballast water management system Friday.
   The Coast Guard Marine Safety Center issued the certificate to the Norwegian manufacturer Optimarin after its application for U.S. type approval was reviewed and determined to meet the requirements of the Coast Guard’s type approval requirements contained in 46 C.F.R. § 162.060.
   “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. “One size does not fit all, so we will continue to evaluate other systems submitted by multiple manufacturers with the intent to provide options that meet shipping’s varying needs.”
   ABS, a provider of classification services to the marine and offshore industries, said, “Type Approval for a product grants immediate benefits to a manufacturer, including reduced administration and a greater potential for market penetration. Once type approved, the product can be selected by ship designers, builders and owners to be placed aboard an ABS-classed vessel.”