The Kiel-based company Hasytec Electronics has received the world’s first approval for the use of an ultrasonic antifouling system on an FSRU.
Until now, ultrasonic antifouling could not be used on these ships because the ATEX certificate was missing. This is a prerequisite for carrying out a process in a potentially explosive atmosphere. Instead, other antifouling measures were used on the ships, for example using chlorine. However, this method is controversial due to its impact on the environment.
In order to obtain the necessary certification for the use of its antifouling system on the FSRU, Hasytec Electronics AG had its system tested for months – with success. The company is now the first in the world to be authorised to manufacture, sell, install and commission ultrasonic antifouling systems for potentially explosive atmospheres.
Hasytec equips test ship in Wilhelmshaven
The test ship is to be transferred to the LNG terminal in Wilhelmshaven this year, where it will commence operations. “The use of our antifouling system will prevent the discharge of around 32 tons of chlorine into the Wadden Sea National Park every year,” says Jan Kelling, CEO of Hasytec Electronics AG.
The Kiel-based company, originally a cleantech start-up, develops and markets a system based on the principles of ultrasound that prevents the formation of biofilm and marine fouling in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. This system makes the use of paints with heavy metal content and environmentally harmful copper anodes superfluous. At the same time, a clean hull and propeller helps to reduce the consumption of heavy fuel oil.
The system is used in the beverage, food and paper industries to reduce organic and inorganic deposits. The system has even proven successful in the fight against legionella and other bacteria, for example in cooling towers.
