ACL tests treatment against aquatic species in ballast water

ACL tests treatment against aquatic species in ballast water    Atlantic Container Line said Thursday it is working on trials of Ecochlor Inc.'s patented ballast water treatment system, designed to eliminate unwanted aquatic species from ballast water carried by ships.
   The trials have begun with the “Atlantic Compass,” one of ACL’s roll-on/roll-off/container ships.
   “The worldwide transfer of aquatic invasive species poses severe environmental, economic and public health issues and is now a major international concern,” ACL said in a statement.
   Oceangoing vessels carry ballast water to facilitate stability and safe maneuverability. However, since the 1970s, with the advent of larger, faster ships and the globalization of trade, the amount of ballast water being used and discharged around the world “has increased dramatically,” the Iselin, N.J.-based shipping line said.
   Several U.S. states have passed or are in the process of passing laws that require the treatment of ballast waters, according to ACL.