Detergent extracted from the air

The Norwegian company OceanSaver cleans the ballast tanks of ships with substances found in the air. This prevents fish and plants from being transported into foreign seas.

Foreign species carried around the world in the ballast water of large ships are a growing problem. Empty ships take on ballast water so that they remain stable at sea. When the ship is ready to be reloaded with oil, containers or other cargo, the water is let out again – and with the water, the creatures that live in it.

These so-called invasive species, i.e. animals and plants that belong in another part of the world, can represent a threat to the local marine life and are considered as 'biological pollution'.

The Norwegian company OceanSaver was established in 2004 to combat this biological pollution. The technology on which the company is based is called ballast water treatment and corrosion system (BWTS).

The answer is blowing in the wind
The system is not based on the use of chlorine or other chemicals. Instead, it is based on oxygen and nitrogen, both of which are found in the air. Therefore, large chemical storage tanks are not necessary. Oxygen is sprayed in where the ballast water runs out of the ship, thus preventing the foreign species from destroying the local marine environment.

Not only is it environmentally friendly, but BWTS has the advantage of being cheaper than traditional methods. The method also protects the ballast tanks against corrosion, and the system can be installed in most ships.

Expensive research
Behind the BWTS technology lies years of research and development, not to mention the costly process of taking out patents. This has meant that the cost of investment has been high for OceanSaver. It was therefore essential to have the backing of many partners during the entire process.

Four entrepreneurs with relevant shipping experience financed OceanSaver. In addition, there were several partners who brought with them experience and knowledge from the industry, and – not least – personal commitment and drive.

New legislation started the whole thing off
The idea to develop the company came about after a change in legislation governing ballast water. In the short time that the company has existed, it has already received two environmental awards and attracted major media attention.