Erma First BWM wins type approval from CCS

Ballast water management system (BWM) manufacturer Erma First has received an amended Type Approval from the China Classification Society (CCS) for its FIT range BWM systems.

The system has been awarded a Certificate under the Authority of the Government of the People’s Republic of China and can now be used on Chinese flagged vessels.

It is the first such system to receive approval in China under IMO Resolution MEPC 300, the company said.

The approval is valid for the full range of models 75-3000 with the option of its three filter types: FILTERSAFE, FILTREX and HYDAC. 

The system uses advanced full-flow electro-chlorination, backed up with a filtration system. It can be installed on coastal vessels as well as larger vessel types.

“The owners and managers of Chinese flagged ships now have the option to install a highly flexible, simple to use, low energy and fully compliant ballast water management system. They can be reassured of our experience of working with Chinese shipyards on both newbuilds and retrofits,” Erma First Managing Director Konstantinos Stampedakis said.

“Achieving Chinese type-approval can be a challenging process, but the China Classification Society proved to be an innovative and resourceful partner who helped guide us through the legal complexities.” 

The FIT system already holds USCG Type Approval, Final Approval by IMO and Class Type Approval.