Project
MARTOB - Onboard Treatment of Ballast Water (Technologies Development and Applications) and Application of Low-sulphur Marine Fuel
Funding origin:
European
STRIA Roadmaps:
Vehicle design and manufacturing (VDM)
Transport mode:
Waterborne
Transport sectors:
Freight transport
Duration:
Start date: 01/04/2001,
End date: 01/06/2004
Status: Finished
Funding details:
Overview
Background & policy context:
Shipping trade and activities have long been a major industry in Europe. Currently, European Economic Area (EEA) ship owners represent about 40% of the world merchant fleet. Ninety percent of the EU’s external trade and 40% of trade by volume between the member States are carried by sea. Thus any improvements that can lead to reduced environmental impacts from shipping are important for maintaining or improving the quality of the marine environment. Ballast water has been recognised as one of the major vectors for the transfer of aquatic organisms across bio-geographical boundaries. Hundreds of non-indigenous species from different parts of the world have been introduced into European waters, particularly Northern Europe.
Objectives:
- to investigate methodologies and technologies for preventing the introduction of nonindigenous species through ships' ballast water;
- to develop design tools and treatment equipment to be used in the further development of ballast water treatment techniques;
- to assess the effectiveness, safety, and environmental and economic aspects of current and newly developed methods;
- to develop cost-effective (capital and operating), safe, environmentally friendly onboard ballast water treatment methods, which have a minimum impact on ship operations;
- to produce guidelines for crew training and criteria for selecting appropriate ballast water management method;
- to assess the financial, technical and operational effects of a sulphur cap on marine bunker fuel in European waters, and propose a verification scheme ensuring compliance with a sulphur cap from all players in the market;
- to help to facilitate the introduction of an important sulphur emission abatement.
Methodology:
- collection and assessment of data and information on ballast water management methods and existing relevant legislation, and a review and update of alien species introductions in European waters;
- development of selected methods for onboard treatment of ballast water through lab-scale testing and in-depth analysis;
- large and full-scale testing of selected ballast water treatment methods;
- assessment of the financial, technical and operational effects of a sulphur cap on marine bunker fuel in European waters.
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