BIO-UV Group, a company with over 35 years of experience in treating municipal, residential, and industrial waters on land, has expanded its innovative solutions to treat water streams onboard ships. With a focus on the cruise and ferry markets, the France-based company has introduced a range of marine UV reactors to disinfect and dechlorinate swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, and potable waters.
Similar to its established BIO-SEA ballast water treatment range, the technology used in these reactors is effective in eliminating harmful pathogens such as Legionella bacteria and Cryptosporidium parasites, as well as Chloramine, a by-product of the chlorine commonly used for disinfection. Simon Marshall, Deputy Managing Director of BIO-UV Group, explains that Chloramine can have a direct impact on human health, causing skin and eye irritation, as well as respiratory problems.
Cryptosporidium, a chlorine-resistant parasite, is of particular concern for cruise lines as it can spread through contaminated water, putting passengers at risk of illness. “As the parasite can be transmitted through water or food contaminated with feces, an infected person in a pool can release millions of these parasites, exposing more passengers to illness,” says Marshall.
With the recent increase in cruise holidays following the Covid pandemic, Marshall stresses the importance of ship operators taking measures to ensure the health of their passengers during and after their vacation. BIO-UV Group’s NSF 50 Cryptosporidium-certified UV CF-TS reactors are designed to treat all recreational water streams on ships, using medium-pressure UV-C lights to kill a minimum of 99.99% of microorganisms. These reactors also reduce chlorine levels, resulting in a better bathing experience, reduced water renewal times, and lower costs for water heating and dehumidification.
For potable water supply on passenger ships, BIO-UV Group has marineized its proven land-based UV technology to guarantee the elimination of all microorganisms in drinking, cooking, and bathing water. These dosimeter-based biodevices are certified and compliant with Onorm standards, ensuring regulatory compliance.
Maxime Dedeurwaerder, Solutions Director at BIO-UV Group, emphasizes the importance of proper water management practices on cruise ships, as they are considered high-risk environments due to the uncertainty and complexity of water quality and treatment systems onboard. He explains that integrating BIO-UV DW water treatment systems can significantly reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and bacterial outbreaks, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.
Compared to chemical disinfection methods, UV treatment works instantly and does not leave harmful residues, making it an efficient and safe solution for treating water on ships. It is also effective in disinfecting hot water systems. Dedeurwaerder concludes that access to clean drinking, cooking, and recreational water is crucial for passengers and crew onboard, and UV technology is the most cost-effective way to achieve and maintain water quality. (Article based on information from BIO-UV Group. Original article: https://shipmanagementinternational.com/bio-uv-group-providing-technology-to-treat-more-water-streams-onboard-ship/)