Alfa Laval is introducing its PureBallast 3 Ultra, the latest ballast water management system (BWMS) built on the company’s PureBallast 3 technology.
The system is claimed to bring new advantages to what the company considers to be the market’s most efficient UV treatment solution, from enhanced performance in challenging waters to further power savings and simpler installation. Deliveries of PureBallast 3 Ultra will begin in 2025.
According to Alfa Laval, as the BWMS retrofit market subsides, many manufacturers have withdrawn or face an uncertain future; in contrast Alfa Laval is evolving its UV technology and its offering to shipowners and shipyards. PureBallast 3 Ultra has been designed to answer the needs of the current, and future, ballast water management market.
Peter Sahlén, Head of Alfa Laval PureBallast said: “PureBallast 3 Ultra shows that Alfa Laval is here to stay. The advances build on 20 years of experience and the thousands of PureBallast 3 systems delivered, more than 3000 of which are supported through our PureBallast Compliance Service Package.”
For shipowners who operate in sedimented areas, PureBallast 3 Ultra offers enhanced performance in challenging waters, thanks to a new filter design that reduces the risk of filter clogging. Several of the filter improvements, such as a faster gear motor that improves backflushing efficiency, are available as an upgrade for existing PureBallast 3 systems. The new filter design safeguards vessel operations, especially in combination with Alfa Laval’s UV technology. PureBallast 3 Ultra runs at 50% of its potential operating power in many conditions, yet it can ramp up to full power to maintain flow in challenging waters.
By supporting higher flow rates, PureBallast 3 Ultra is said to use less energy than competing UV systems in relation to the ballast water volume. It can also be more efficient than previous PureBallast 3 systems, thanks to an expanded range of UV reactor sizes that closely match the ballast pump capacity. For certain flows, power needs are reduced by almost 20%.
The wider UV reactor range means more flexibility for shipyards, who also benefit from other features. The Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) unit and pressure monitoring device are integrated into the UV reactor module, and the upgraded filter design is smaller. With a small footprint and fewer connections, PureBallast 3 Ultra can be configured for ballast water flows of 42–3000 m3/h, as well as Ex requirements.
Tobias Doescher, Head of Global Sales, Business Development and Marketing, Alfa Laval PureBallast said: “We’ve listened closely to our customers, and PureBallast 3 Ultra is optimised for their business needs. Whether they build vessels or sail them, customers will find the flexibility, simplicity and security they’re looking for.”
Alfa Laval’s production facility in Qingdao, China, will offer shipyard support and smooth deliveries of PureBallast 3 Ultra, beginning in Q3 2025. Shipowners can count on Alfa Laval’s global network and 24/7 Service and Support.PureBallast 3 Ultra will be delivered with a field gateway, ready to take advantage of PureBallast Connect, which is a secure digital service portal, available on a subscription basis, that offers ways to maximise uptime, reduce compliance-related workload and optimise fleet-wide.
Sahlen concluded: “Ballast water management is moving forward, and Alfa Laval will continue to define the leading edge. In PureBallast 3 Ultra, customers have a system and a supplier that are ready to meet the future.”
Image: Peter Sahlén, Head of Alfa Laval PureBallast (Credit: Alfa Laval / Wake Media)
