Type approval testing - Maritime Technology | Environmental and Ecotox Laboratory

Type-approval testing

Efficient type-approval testing with high quality

We have conducted independent tests of ballast water management systems (BWMS) for type approval since 2010. Type-approval tests are performed according to the United States Coast Guard standards (33 CFR 151 and 46 CFR 162) and the IMO BWMS Code (MEPC.300(72)). We assist our customers from the first full scale trials to successful type approval. DHI’s methods are accredited in accordance with ISO 17025, and we deliver accredited test reports for the type approval process.

Manufacturers who have received U.S. Coast Guard and IMO type approval based on testing conducted by DHI include: Alfa Laval (Sweden), Bawat (Denmark), BIO-UV (France), COSCO Shipbuilding Industry Co. Ltd. (China), DESMI Ocean Guard (Denmark), Headway Technology Co. (China), Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. (Republic of Korea), Miura Co.Ltd. (Japan), Panasia (Republic of Korea), Semb-Eco Pte. Ltd. (Singapore), Sunrui (China), TeamTec OceanSaver (Norway), and Wärtsilä Water Systems Ltd. (UK).

DHI collaborates with the independent laboratories, or classification societies, DNV GL, Lloyd’s Register, and Prüfinstitut für Abwassertechnik (PIA).

The biological performance evaluation at the land-based test facility is a large-scale experiment in which some parameters are controlled.

Located in Hundested, Denmark, the DHI Maritime Technology Evaluation Facility has direct access to high quality seawater, which is used for type approval testing in brackish and marine water. Natural fresh water is collected in a nearby lake and transported to the test facility by lorry, when type approval testing is performed in fresh water.

Operation and maintenance (O&M) testing of the BWMS is performed by use of two ballast pumps and automated control systems, which means that the O&M test runs efficiently and does not delay other testing activities.

Automatic data collection facilitates the output from the test facility, and effective laboratory procedures provide key data that can be shared with the customer on the day of testing.

Land-based testing

Shipboard testing

The shipboard test is required to document the biological performance of the BWMS under ambient water conditions typically encountered by ships. The shipboard test includes 3 or 5 test cycles distributed over a time period of at least 6 months to allow for variations in water temperature, seasons and geographic regions.

We have conducted numerous shipboard tests worldwide by use of our teams in Denmark and Singapore. We can reach the location for the shipboard test with short notice, and we usually place equipment on board to enable efficient logistics throughout the 6-months trial period.

Our team coordinates with the ship operator and local agents, the independent laboratory and the manufacturer to perform the test as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Whole effluent toxicity (WET) testing is required for IMO basic and final approval of BWMS utilizing active agents for treatment of the ballast water, such as electro-chlorination or ozone systems. The samples for the WET testing are collected from the treated discharge water obtained during the land-based test.

Our laboratory performs toxicity tests with aquatic organisms and provides analyses of disinfection by-products meeting the requirements of the GESAMP working group.

Whole effluent toxicity testing

How does it work?

BWMS manufacturers are welcome to contact us directly for an initial discussion of the treatment technology, the performance claim (System Design Limitations), and the challenge conditions during the land-based test. If you have not selected an independent laboratory (classification society) to overview the testing, we may introduce you to the parties with whom we collaborate, i.e., DNV GL, Lloyd’s Register and Prüfinstitut für Abwassertechnik (PIA).

Key Features

Experience in various treatment technologies: UV, electro-chlorination, heat treatment, ozone and others.

With six available holding tanks and two source tanks, we are able to accommodate up to seven systems concurrently at the test facility.

Short hold time (2-24 hour) land-based tests can be performed at the testing facility.

Properties of the test water such as UV transmittance and TRO consumption can be precisely adjusted.

Testimonials

Long-lasting partnership. Our collaboration with DHI regarding type approval testing of Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS) goes a long way back. In fact we were DHI’s first customer in the ballast water segment, and we have over the past decade tested and approved three BWMS with the assistance from DHI. We have always appreciated the high level of expertise and know how available in DHI, the excellent landbased BWMS test facilities, and we also recommend them for their professional way of conducting business. All deliverables from DHI are of high quality.

We entered a cooperation with DHI already back 2011 for our PureBallast 3 product. That in order to be a part of the very knowledgeable scientific research community at DHI and to be able to verify our product at the state-of-the-art testing facilities in Denmark. We have over soon a decade found the testing projects to be very well managed by the competent DHI employees, while resting assure that DHI always have taken a lead in developing test procedures complying with the very latest regulatory updates. The team headed by Gitte is a strong contributor behind the success of PureBallats 3. “We wouldn’t have been in this favorable market position without the professional service carried out by DHI”

When we were considering DHI as a candidate for the project, a key obstacle for us was the geographic distance. We understood that the long distance would increase travel and transportation costs as well as other operational challenges. However, from our previous positive partnership with DHI, we knew DHI’s technical expertise and global credibility make their team the right choice for the project. Through this project, we were be able to successfully receive IMO and USCG type approval.