Steinbach Ingenieurtechnik (SI-Technik) is contributing to the maritime environment with its comprehensive MMC ballast water management system. In cooperation[ds_preview] with the Norwegian manufacturer MMC the German company offers a complete solution, a system fully certified by DNV GL and by the US Coast Guard, SI-Technik states. Steinbach has been allocated the representation in Germany, Benelux and Cyprus. It is based on an environmental friendly particle filtration and uv-treatment. According to Steinbach, it features an especially small footprint with the option for modular expansion which suits perfectly for new buildings as well as for retrofit and has the smallest footprint on the market. It can be delivered as modular design with flow rates between 150m3/h and 1,200m3/h individually fitted – alternatively tailor made on skids. The power consumption is rated at about 14kW at a maximum flow rate of 150m3/h. The uv-bulb is said to have a life time of approximately 1,000 hours that equals to about 5 years. The system can be locally or remote controlled with monitoring screens. At the end of the ballast water treatment operation an automatic flushing with freshwater follows. The whole operation avoids the application of any chemicals or discharging into bilges. Since its inauguration in 2011 more than 60 MMC-units have been sold worldwide which have been installed on seagoing vessels. Besides of Germany clients in Spain, Singapore China and Turkey have acquired the system, Steinbach states.
As far as engineering is concerned SI-Technik co-operates with Schiffstechnik Buchloh GmbH, Unkel. Buchloh is responsible for the planning and embedding of the units in existing systems. They provide the technical drawings for pipelines and joints as well as for packing and order lists for pipes, valves and appurtenances. Furthermore they take care of the 2D/3D-planning around the installation site on board. In view of the MMC-BWTS as a product of Norwegian origin SI-Technik is able to offer its clients an opportunity to finance the system, its installation or retrofit through Export Credit Norway. Under certain provisions a credit up to 85% of the order value can be granted – including costs for installation. The interest rate can be based either on the current CIRR-rate or on IBOR.
