The Problem:

Vessels are important pathways for the introduction or spread of invasive species through the discharge of ballast water or the transport of invasive species that have accumulated as bio-fouling on ships’ hulls. USEPA and the U.S. Coast Guard, are working together to address the environmental and economic threats associated with ship-related introductions of invasive species.  According to USEPA, invasive species means a foreign species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Invasive species are considered one of the largest threats to coastal and freshwater ecosystems, along with being a worldwide concern.

The most problematic organisms to be controlled are bacterial, planktonic, and egg or larval stages of higher organisms. It is almost impossible, very expensive, and environmentally damaging to control/ eradicate infestation of an invasive species once it is introduced into a waterbody. The introduction of the zebra mussel into the waterways of the Great Lakes provides a well-publicized and sobering example of both the economic and ecological costs associated with such invasions. Thus, prevention of initial contamination by invasive species is the most practical approach to this problem.

In recent years there has been increased international focus on Ballast Water Management (BWM) due to the ecological, economic, and potential health threats caused by the spread of invasive species from ballast water. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is responding to these concerns through a comprehensive national BWM program.

The Solution:

The Latitude Maritime Solutions (LMTS) Ballast Water Treatment System offers an efficient and dependable solution based on solids separation and organism inactivation through Electro Precipitation (EP)™ . The LMTS system can utilize existing ballast pumps and piping.  The LMTS system is designed for each particular vessel and operating situation. Whether a retrofit installation or a new build, the small footprint and high capacity capability offer optimal performance and cost savings.

The LMTS EP™ system destroys or inactivates biological organisms including plankton, algae, bacteria and pathogens from ballast water without affecting the normal operation of the ship. Ballast water can be retreated during de-ballasting to make maximum use of water resources.

Bilge & Graywater Treatment – Problem:

Bilge water is a combination of salt water, cooling water, fuel, hydraulic fluid and lube oil, resulting from the dewatering of sedimentation, graywater and sludge tanks and cleaning procedures combined with sand and silt. Before discharging this into the sea, regulations specify that this mixture has to be treated to the point that residual oil content is less than 15 ppm. Conventional separation techniques cannot obtain this level of performance cost effectively.

Solution:

An LMTS Oil Separation (OS) system combined with EP™ technology can deliver this level of performance, effectively and in an environmentally sound manner. The LMTS system is cost effective, easy to use and can reliably remove petroleum products below regulatory standards. The economic return on investment of this technological innovation will pay for itself quickly. Recovery of petroleum products for resale or reuse can add to this positive financial formula. Application of LMTS technology saves money, reduces energy consumption, and reclaims or recycles by products.