Training for operators of ship sewage treatment plants – A service provided by the HUBER Global Service Academy
HUBER has been committed to providing innovative wastewater treatment solutions for cruise ships for many years, contributing directly to the protection of the world's oceans. Over 200 HUBER sludge screening and dewatering systems have already been installed for maritime applications. These ‘floating wastewater treatment plants’ are an indispensable part of modern cruise ships, as operating in coastal areas is not permitted without strict compliance with wastewater limits.
A team from Wärtsilä Water & Waste in England visited Berching
A particular highlight was the operator training course for five operators from Wärtsilä Water Systems Ltd. (UK), a leading global provider of water and wastewater treatment systems for ships with around 1,700 employees. The participants, who were technicians and dispatchers, received targeted training in the installation, commissioning and maintenance of a ROTAMAT® Fine Screen.
HUBER screens play a central role in Wärtsilä's wastewater treatment process, which is based on membrane biology. A ROTAMAT® Fine Screen with a mesh size of 0.5 mm housed in a specially designed container reliably protects the sensitive hollow fibre membranes from blockages and damage caused by coarse and foreign matter. This ensures the trouble-free operation of the membrane biology system – and thus reliable compliance with wastewater limits on board.
Special requirements at sea
The two-day theoretical and practical training course at the HUBER headquarters focused on the unique challenges of treating wastewater at sea:
- Limited space for installation, inspection and maintenance.
- 100% wastewater treatment availability required throughout the entire voyage.
- Fluctuating pollutant loads require highly flexible plant technology.
- Rolling and tilting movements of the ship make operation and maintenance difficult.
- Changing operating and maintenance personnel with a wide variety of backgrounds
- Spare parts supply and technical support are only possible during port layovers.
Practical training was carried out on a fine screen specially adapted for ship applications. Direct, constructive feedback from the operators during the training provided valuable input for the further optimisation of this ship design, especially with regard to even greater serviceability and maximum process stability in challenging on-board conditions.
Positive conclusion and insights into production
One participant summed it up: ‘It was a great experience and all the feedback from everyone who attended has been really positive!’
In addition to the technical training, joint dinners and a factory tour provided comprehensive insights into the HUBER product portfolio and the vertical range of manufacture in Berching.
Many thanks to the Wärtsilä team for the constructive discussions and for placing their trust in us. We look forward to continuing our collaboration!
