Halla IMS, Ballast Water Treatment System 'EcoGuardian NF' Approved in the US

Korean ship equipment manufacturer Hanla IMS Co., Ltd. has been recognized by the United States for its technology in the 'filterless ballast water treatment system.'

Hanla IMS announced on the 3rd that last month, its ballast water treatment system 'EcoGuardian NF (EcoGuardian No Filter)' obtained type approval from the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

Hanla IMS explained that all tests were conducted under the quality control of the independent testing organization Korean Register, enabling type approval in a short period.

'EcoGuardian NF' is a product derived from Hanla IMS's existing ballast water treatment system 'EcoGuardian' by removing the filter, thereby eliminating problems that could be caused by the filter.

Without a filter, issues caused by filter clogging in ports with poor water quality do not occur, allowing normal operation during short berthing periods.

Additionally, it offers better utilization of onboard space, eliminates the inconvenience experienced when filters malfunction, and has higher price competitiveness, making it a preferred choice for shipowners and operators.

Notably, this product features the shortest holding time (the time from sterilization and storage in the tank to discharge) of '20 hours' among domestic and international companies of the same type in seawater, freshwater, and brackish water.

For this reason, Hanla IMS explained that "it is highly favored by national shipping companies operating short distances such as along the coasts of Korea, China, Japan, the Baltic Sea, and the United States."

Hanla IMS has already obtained final approval from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the filterless 'EcoGuardian NF' product last August, and has received type approvals from various flag states including Liberia, Greece, Malaysia, Malta, the Isle of Man, and Hong Kong.

Hanla IMS stated, "Through the US type approval of EcoGuardian NF, Hanla IMS's global technological capability has been recognized," adding, "We expect to gain a competitive edge in the ballast water treatment system market by satisfying shipyards that prefer easy-to-install products, operators who prefer products that are easy to operate and maintain, as well as shipowners who prioritize price competitiveness."