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Ballast Retrofit – Pat Taylor
A Technical
Case Study
Ballast Retrofit – Pat Taylor
Project Overview
The commissioning of the Optimarin Protector Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) on the vessel Pat Taylor was undertaken to ensure the ship’s compliance with international ballast water regulations. CELECS was tasked with finalising the installation, resolving outstanding technical issues, and bringing the system to full operational readiness. The work encompassed electrical and mechanical completion, software configuration, component replacement, and operational testing, with the ultimate goal of delivering a fully compliant and reliable BWTS to the vessel’s crew.
The Challenge
When CELECS joined the project, the installation was only about 80% complete. Several critical components, including valve position signal connections, UV chamber parts, and sensors, were either missing or incorrectly installed. Mechanical placement issues, such as a horizontally installed automatic vent (ARV) and an incorrectly positioned flow meter, were compounded by electrical and network faults, including incompatible LAN connectors, insufficient grounding, and wiring errors. Further complications arose from hardware defects, such as a faulty Flow Pressure Valve (FPV) and reversed pump rotation, as well as low pump pressure caused by a fouled sea chest.
The Solution
CELECS implemented a structured troubleshooting and resolution process. Electrical works were completed, ensuring all connections, sensors, and power supplies were properly installed and operational. Software was updated to PLC/HMI Version 2.33 with the correct bypass logic implemented. Mechanical issues were addressed by reconfiguring the ARV, cleaning the sea chest to restore pump pressure, and confirming system performance, while faulty components were replaced or repaired. The team coordinated closely with ship staff to test all system modes, verify compliance, and deliver comprehensive crew training on BWTS operation, maintenance, and fault handling.
The Result
Through hands-on problem-solving and effective coordination, CELECS successfully commissioned the Optimarin Protector BWTS on Pat Taylor. The system is now fully installed, tested, and operating within compliance standards, with correct pressure achieved and the UV system functioning as intended. Crew members are trained and prepared to manage the system, ensuring ongoing operational reliability. Despite the significant challenges at the project’s outset, the outcome was a fully functional, regulation-compliant BWTS ready for immediate service.
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