Alfa Laval Secures Major Contract for Ballast Water Management System Replacements, Signaling Rising Demand for Reliable Retrofit Solutions

Alfa Laval Secures Major Contract for Ballast Water Management System Replacements, Signaling Rising Demand for Reliable Retrofit Solutions

(IN BRIEF) Alfa Laval has won a major contract to replace 18 ballast water management systems (BWMS) on vessels owned by a leading European shipowner. The deal highlights growing demand for reliable BWMS replacements due to stricter regulations and the challenges shipowners face with malfunctioning systems. Over the past two years, Alfa Laval has replaced more than 250 systems from 30 manufacturers, offering customized, sustainable solutions. As other suppliers exit the market, Alfa Laval remains committed to supporting customers throughout the lifecycle of ballast water management equipment, recently launching the new PureBallast 3 Ultra system.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUND, 17-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Alfa Laval, a global leader in marine technology, has been awarded a significant contract to replace 18 ballast water treatment systems (BWMS) onboard vessels belonging to a prominent European shipowner. This contract underscores a critical market shift as shipowners seek dependable solutions to meet the increasingly strict international regulations for ballast water management, while also dealing with the challenges posed by malfunctioning systems from other suppliers.

Rising Need for BWMS Replacement Amid Regulatory Pressure

The global shipping industry is under growing pressure to comply with stringent ballast water management regulations, designed to prevent the transfer of harmful aquatic species across regions. These regulations require shipowners to maintain fully operational ballast water treatment systems, and failure to do so can result in costly penalties, operational downtime, and potentially severe business losses. However, as the majority of the global fleet is now equipped with BWMS, the retrofit market has reached a saturation point. This has led many manufacturers to reduce their market involvement or withdraw completely, leaving shipowners with inadequate support for their systems, especially when dealing with malfunctioning equipment.

Alfa Laval has recognized this market gap and has been stepping in to provide much-needed support. Over the past two years alone, the company has replaced more than 250 ballast water treatment systems from 30 different manufacturers, and demand for these replacement services continues to grow. Tobias Doescher, Head of Global Sales, Business Development, and Marketing at Alfa Laval PureBallast, explained: “With the consolidation of the BWMS market, we see a growing need for replacing installed systems. We have been contacted by shipowners worldwide who are struggling with issues their current suppliers cannot resolve. We are happy to provide cost-effective, sustainable solutions to address these problems.”

Expertise in Tailored BWMS Replacement Projects

Alfa Laval’s approach to replacing BWMS systems stands out for its professionalism and customization. The company has vast experience in replacing systems based on both electrochlorination (EC) and ultraviolet (UV) technology, ensuring that it can cater to a wide range of client needs. Each replacement project begins with a thorough onboard assessment carried out by a qualified expert, who evaluates the existing system and determines what can be salvaged to maximize cost-efficiency. By identifying components that can be reused, Alfa Laval helps clients avoid unnecessary expenses while ensuring compliance with ballast water regulations.

This tailored approach ensures that each replacement project is customized to the specific requirements of the shipowner. Alfa Laval’s team guides the customer through every step of the process, from initial assessment to installation, ensuring a smooth transition that minimizes operational disruptions.

Investing in Long-Term Partnerships

Alfa Laval’s focus on building long-term partnerships, rather than offering one-time solutions, has proven to be a key differentiator in the BWMS market. As competitors reduce their commitment to supporting customers or exit the market entirely, Alfa Laval is doubling down on its commitment to the industry. “The success of this offering validates our approach of partnering for the entire lifecycle of ballast water management equipment,” said Peter Sahlén, Head of Alfa Laval PureBallast. “While other suppliers are stepping back, we are investing in our experts, staying ahead of regulatory changes, and continuously offering new services to help customers meet compliance.”

A testament to this commitment is the recent launch of Alfa Laval’s PureBallast 3 Ultra system, which was developed based on years of feedback from customers. This new system enhances the company’s BWMS replacement offering and reinforces its leadership in ballast water treatment technology.

A Growing Market for BWMS Replacements

As regulatory standards evolve and shipowners continue to face compliance challenges, the demand for reliable BWMS replacement solutions is expected to rise. Alfa Laval’s experience, expertise, and proactive approach to supporting shipowners make it well-positioned to lead the growing replacement market. By helping customers replace malfunctioning systems with state-of-the-art solutions, Alfa Laval not only ensures compliance but also provides peace of mind for shipowners looking to minimize the risk of costly penalties and downtime.

With its continued investment in innovation and customer support, Alfa Laval is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of ballast water management, offering sustainable, efficient solutions for the shipping industry as it navigates increasingly complex regulatory waters.

Editor’s notes

This is Alfa Laval

The ability to make the most of what we have is more important than ever. Together with our customers, we’re innovating the industries that society depends on and creating lasting positive impact. We’re set on helping billions of people to get the energy, food, and clean water they need.  And, at the same time, we’re decarbonizing the marine fleet that’s the backbone of global trade.

We pioneer technologies and solutions that free our customers to unlock the true potential of resources. As our customers’ businesses grow stronger, the goal of a truly sustainable world edges closer. The company is committed to optimizing processes, creating responsible growth, and driving progress to support customers in achieving their business goals and sustainability targets. Together, we’re pioneering positive impact.

Alfa Laval was founded 140 years ago, has customers in some 100 countries, employs more than 21,300 people, and annual sales in 2023 were SEK 63.6 billion (5.5 BEUR). The company is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

www.alfalaval.com

Media Contacts:

Peter Sahlén
Head of Alfa Laval PureBallast
Alfa Laval Marine Division
Phone: +46 70 353 54 23
E-mail: peter.sahlen@alfalaval.com

Helena Sannicolo
Vice President Marketing Communications
Alfa Laval Marine Division
Phone: +46 70 569 3806
E-mail: helena.sannicolo@alfalaval.com

SOURCE: Alfa Laval