New particulate removal system to be tested on a cruise ship

The newly developed Wet Electrostatic Precipitator (WESP) is designed to capture particles of PM2.5 and below from ship emissions (source: Ecospray)

Italy’s Ecospray will install a recently developed system to eliminate particulate matter and black soot from ship emissions Called a Wet Electrostatic Precipitator (WESP), the first unit will be installed on a cruise ship. Testing will be conducted in collaboration with RINA and SGS in order to validate and assess the technology.

Founded as an engineering company 15 years ago, Ecospray was acquired by Carnival in 2016. Known for its exhaust gas cleaning systems (ECGS) technology, Ecospray has broadened its clean technology portfolio to target the maritime energy transition market.

The WESP system was developed to eliminate visible smoke from the stack, especially during engine start-up and at low loads, by capturing particles (PM2.5 and below) and part of condensable species (SO₃).

It can be installed downstream of the DeSOx tower and has low-pressure drops and high removal efficiency. WESP can be integrated into an existing DeSOx tower or installed as a stand-alone unit, for both open-loop and hybrid EGCSs.

Likening it to the use of EGCSs for diesel engines, Ecospray project management leader Filippo Lossani said, “WESP is a ‘bridge’ technology, meaning it’s a true transition technology which will guide us towards the 2030-2050 [decarbonisation] objectives.” Added Mr Lossani, “Considering the ever-increasing focus on issues involving environmental sustainability and health – and given the growing demand for the reduction of polluting emissions – we expect that the standardisation process of dust and particulates will be the necessary next step, and we are ready.”

SGS will also assist Ecospray with the laboratory analyses to test system performance of WESP, while RINA marine senior director Andrea Cogliolo, said the class society will verify and validate the installation drawings on board the ship, establish a test protocol, and issue a report on the results of the project.

SGS I&E Marine Services Geneva CH director Vladimiro Bonamin said SGS will establish the details for the analytical side of the test protocol prepared by RINA, and prepare the QAQC protocol to ensure accurate measurements.

MSC Virtuosa Gains RINA’s ‘Watchful Security’ Certification

MSC Virtuosa just entering the River Mersey, Liverpool. Photo credit Dave Jones.

MSC Cruises has announced that it has received classification society RINA’s ‘Watchful’ certification of technology qualification for the security system (CCTV) onboard its flagship, the MSC Virtuosa.

According to a press release, the process consists of the validation of novel technology – or an existing one applied to a new environment – to verify, among other requirements, its fitness for purpose, its safety and reliability, and its compliance with the regulatory framework.

The 181,000-ton MSC Virtuosa was delivered earlier this year by shipbuilders Chantiers de l’Atlantique of Saint-Nazaire, France. Following her maiden season this summer in British waters, the MSC Virtuosa will be deployed for winter 2021/22 in the Gulf region and homeport in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates where the ship be named on Nov. 27.

MSC said that the ‘Watchful’ certification is based on the system’s compliance assessment with the applicable international guidelines and RINA’s standards and follows thorough technical analysis to ascertain that the CCTV system is “flawlessly integrated” with the compulsory mooring and docking camera system.

RINA’s certification also verified MSC Virtuosa’s CCTV systems’ compliance with MSC Cruises’ safety and security operational requirements to support the crew in the identification of problems that might occur onboard.

According to the press release, the CCTV network configuration and the "excellent coverage, quality and reliability" allow the collection of evidence in the event of an incident or investigation undertaken by both the cruise line and any relevant external authorities. The number of TV cameras has been reduced thanks to the optimization study of ‘blind spots’ and the comprehensive footage monitoring of restricted areas.

Costa Cruises to limit resumption in sailings to Italian passengers only

Costa Cruises to limit resumption in sailings to Italian passengers only

Costa Cruises return to operations next month will be restricted to passengers from its home country of Italy only.

However, the company also confirmed the extension of its pause in operations until September 30 for all the other cruises.

The Carnival Corporation brand is to resume sailing with one-week itineraries on two ships.

Costa Deliziosa will depart from Trieste and Costa Diadema from Genoa.

The cruises “will be reserved exclusively for Italian guests, with one-week itineraries calling at Italian ports only, allowing to rediscover in safety Italy’s finest destinations,” the company said.

“The decision was made considering the evolution of the epidemiological scenario and taking in account the regulation issued by the Italian Ministry of Health regarding mandatory checks for travellers returning from some European and foreign destinations, which suggests a cautious approach.

“Therefore, this solution will allow Costa guests to better enjoy their holiday, with fewer worries.”

Costa Deliziosa will sail on September 6, 13, 20, 27 and Costa Diadema on September 19, with further itineraries to be announced: “as soon as possible”.

The line said: “Costa is working for a responsible and safe resumption of its cruises starting from 6 September, as already announced in recent days, tirelessly monitoring the epidemiological situation that is constantly evolving.

“The company hopes that from October the situation will allow to welcome onboard its ships also guests of other nationalities.”

The company added: “Costa is continuing to work in close cooperation with flag state authorities, Italian regions, local institutions, health authorities, harbour master’s offices, ports and terminals and RINA to ensure a responsible, smooth and well-organised application of the new regulations and protocols approved by the Italian government for the restart of cruises.”

The move follows rival MSC Cruises announcing the resumption of sailings in the Mediterranean from Sunday (August 16).

Costa Prepares Gradual Restart Plan

 

Following the authorization to cruise by the Italian Government, Costa Crociere prepares to gradually restart its operations in light of the new protocols that will be officialised soon, the company said.

Michael Thamm, CEO of Costa Group and Carnival Asia said: “We are extremely excited that we will be able to cruise again soon and we want to thank the Italian Government and all the authorities for their constant availability and support.

"The cruise industry and Costa specifically, as the only Italian cruise company, create significant value to the economy and to the destinations we visit. The gradual restart of our operations will give relief to the local economies in port communities and to the whole ecosystem of almost 5,000 suppliers and business partners, and over 7,500 travel agents, in Italy, who have been suffering from the pause of our activities.

"The resumption of our operations in this phase is also a great responsibility towards our guests, our crew members and the residents of the communities we visit. In the next days, we will be working closely with national and local authorities, ports and terminals, RINA and internally onboard our ships, for the full implementation of the protocols issued by the Italian Government so we can all together guarantee a smooth, well organized and safe restart of our cruises, both onboard and ashore. We look forward to announcing shortly the full program of our itineraries so that thousands of loyal Costa Guests can have the opportunity to sail again with us for the holiday they missed so much."