Cathelco Ditches MPN Analysis for USCG Tests

BWMS manufacturer Cathelco has submitted a letter of intent to the US Coast Guard (USCG) to confirm it plans to begin testing its ballast water management system (BWMS) for USCG type-approval for its UV-based system. It expects to achieve type-approval within a year.

It has chosen not to use the ‘most probable number’ (MPN) analysis technique used for some other UV-based systems – and which Cathelco itself used for its IMO type-approval tests – because of the USCG’s rejection of that technique in December. Instead, its tests will be carried out using the FDA/CMFDA methodology, which tests whether organisms are alive or not.

A spokesman for Cathelco told BWTT the USCG’s decision had been an important factor in opting for a different method for these tests. “We wanted a system that would be accepted everywhere,” he said. In a statement, the company said the tests will also confirm the equipment meets the expected revised standards of the new draft of the IMO G8 guidelines.

“Our system has already received IMO type-approval and alternate management system certification from the USCG,” said Robert Field, Cathelco’s technical director, in the same statement. “We are pushing ahead with sales, but recognise it is essential to attain USCG type-approval as soon as possible.”

Cathelco has appointed Marine Eco Analytics of the Netherlands to carry out the testing programme. It has not yet been granted the status of an independent laboratory by the USCG but is understood to be applying for it.

Mr Field told BWTT one of the main factors in its choice of partner was the availability of a slot for testing. Once USCG had rejected the MPN method, he said, “it was important that we could start testing to the live/dead standard as quickly as possible.” In addition, because of its coastal location, tests using marine, fresh and brackish water can be performed in real world conditions.

Land based testing will be followed by testing on board the container ship AS Patria, operated by Ahrenkiel Steamship of Hamburg.

*Image credit: Cathelco

*Original article Marine Propulsion