Hamworthy MBRs For Ruby Evolution Class
Two vessels to be built by Fincantieri for Princess Cruises will become the latest luxury cruise ships to feature Hamworthy‘s Membrane BioReactor (MBR). the technology designed to meet wastewater discharge requirements in even the most sensitive of seas. Each 3,600-passenger capacity, 141,000GT Ruby Evolution class ship will be fitted with two Hamworthy MBR24 systems, for operations anywhere in the world.
With the delivery date for the first vessel due in spring 2013, the first two MBRs will be delivered in August 2011, for installation/commissioning by December 2012. The second vessel is due to be delivered in spring 2014 with equipment delivery in May 2012 and installation/commissioning by December 2013.
No Let Up
Doug Verge, MBR Project Manager said: “It is clear that there will be no let up in the tightening of global and regional standards on wastewater discharge. The fact that these ships will spend part of their operating time in sensitive seas was a key factor in our technology being selected, as Hamworthy’s MBR system continues to develop in anticipation of regulations and remains at the forefront of shipboard wastewater management.”
Surpassing Regulations
Hamworthy’s MBR has been shown to surpass new IMO wastewater discharge regulations by a significant margin: it achieves suspended solids limits of 3.1 mg/l, BOD5 of 2.6 mg/l, while faecal coliform is limited to 10.6 cfu (colony-forming unit) per 100m/l. Both residual chlorine levels and pH are also within limits defined for sensitive waters. Based on biological degradation and membrane separation, the MBR yields the highest quality discharge without requiring any addition or generation of chemicals hazardous to the maritime or shipboard environment.