By
Rebecca Gibson |
Scandlines has improved the environmental performance of its hybrid ferry Berlin by installing anti-fouling system from Germany-based clean tech company HASYTEC.
Berlin, which operates on the Rostock-Gedser route between Germany and Denmark, was equipped with HASYTEC’s Dynamic Biofilm Protection (DBP) System at the end of 2017. The solution was placed in Berlin’s seawater cooling system and uses ultrasound to prevent a build-up of biofilm, which is the initial basis of all fouling and marine growth.
“Conventional Impressed Current Anti-fouling systems release copper, which belongs to the family of heavy metals, into the oceans,” said Andreas Hoffmann, managing director of HASYTEC Group. “Our system will make these systems obsolete.”
In addition, HASYTEC DBP optimises the seawater cooling systems during summer when the temperature of the Baltic Sea increases and the ferries are sailing at a higher speed to accommodate the greater number of customers. This reduces maintenance and increases operational safety.
HASYTEC is now installing its solution on Berlin’s sister ship, Copenhagen.
“We really do welcome the combination of operating advantages and the positive impact on the environment,” said Anette Ustrup Svendsen, head of corporate communications at Scandlines. “The continuous improvement of the environmental performance of our fleet belongs to the most important goals on Scandlines’ green agenda.”