CSA, GSI Partner on Ballast Filtration Tests

The members of the Canadian Shipowners Association (CSA) have partnered with Great Ships Initiative (GSI), a project of the Northeast-Midwest Institute, a regional nonprofit research center headquartered in Washington, DC. Efficacy tests of ballast water filtration systems in the unique, cold, fresh waters of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Waterway (GLSLW) will take place this summer at the GSI ballast treatment testing facility in Superior, Wisconsin. To date no technology has been type-approved for operation in the GLSLW waters, where Canadian vessels operate.

Canadian shipowners are looking proactively to find practical solutions to ballast water management. The membership chose to partner with the world-class, government-funded GSI testing facility to build objective knowledge of technological solutions. Results from the trial of filtration technologies are expected by the end of August 2013.

"Our membership has a track record of leading the use of innovative technologies and best management practices to improve performance, safety and to protect the environment," said Robert Lewis-Manning, President of the Canadian Shipowners Association. Lewis-Manning further notes, "The partnership of our membership with GSI is important because it builds on our industry's leadership and demonstrates the commitment of the members of the Canadian Shipowners Association to find solutions that are practical, can work in our unique operating environment and will achieve results in a cost effective manner."

Since 2006, a binational (Canada-U.S.) requirement for mid-ocean ballast water exchange, no new organisms have been detected in the GLSLW from beyond Canadian territorial waters.

The CSA membership operates Canadian-flagged and uniquely designed ships on Canadian coastal, Arctic and inland waters, with highly skilled Canadian crew and is part of a $36 billion continental GLSLW marine transportation system. Recent investments of over $700 million in 14 new vessels, have positioned the industry for growth. Marine transportation is the most sustainable form of transportation.

Source: Canadian Shipowners Association