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THE MS “CAPE RACE” - DRINKING WATER TREATMENT AT SEA / IN THE ARCTIC
The MS “Cape Race” is a former deep-sea fishing trawler from 1963, converted into an expedition ship in 2019, allowing 12 passengers to intensely, individually, and closely experience the oceans and the majestic nature of the Arctic. On this small, very seaworthy, and extremely environmentally friendly ship, every journey becomes a personal adventure with its detailed charm from the era of tramp shipping.
During the peak of fishing in the Atlantic, the “Cape Race” was built as Canada's very first steel trawler. Its areas of operation were the fishing grounds of the North Atlantic, the Newfoundland Bank, the Labrador Sea, and the sea areas off its home port in Nova Scotia. Originally intended to fish year-round in the most inhospitable sea areas of the world, it is constructed to comfortably and safely travel from pole to pole; thanks to its ice-reinforced hull, it is ideally suited for expeditions in Arctic waters.
It is obvious that even at sea, one of the most fundamental needs of the crew and passengers must be ensured – drinking water. With its conversion, the “Cape Race” received a tank-based drinking water system. This includes about 20 cubic meters of drinking water, which is divided into three cemented tanks. As usual, this water is used on the open sea via conventional drinking water taps. In addition to the drinking water system, the “Cape Race” also has a saltwater system that can process seawater. On one hand, to use it directly, for example, for toilet flushing, and on the other hand, to produce its own drinking water. Before the “Cape Race” sets off towards the Arctic, the tanks are filled with drinking water in the harbor.
As with any drinking water system, there is naturally a risk on a ship that bacteria or germs, such as Legionella, could spread in the system. To prevent exactly that, the team of the “Cape Race” has chosen a UV water disinfection system from UV concept. The UV disinfection system prevents contamination of the drinking water, which can lead to major problems, especially at sea, without access to fresh water.
The impeccable quality of the drinking water and clean water pipes on board are therefore of utmost importance.
Why was a disinfection method using UV light chosen?
Maarten van der Duijn Schouten has two decisive reasons for this: the taste of the drinking water and the technical effort.
The alternative to UV disinfection would be to disinfect the drinking water using chlorine. Although this method is equally effective, it also brings with it an intense and unpleasant chlorine taste. Another problem with the use of chlorine is that the ship's desalination plant is damaged. This plant filters the salt crystals from the water using a very fine membrane. To continuously ensure the functionality of the plant, the membrane must be regularly cleaned, for which the membrane as well as the entire plant is flushed with clean water. If chlorinated water were used for this, the membrane would be damaged or even destroyed, significantly impairing or even preventing the function of the desalination plant. Therefore, the team of the "Cape Race" would have had to make a number of technical changes to the water treatment circuit for the use of chlorine.
The UV water disinfection system from UV concept could be easily integrated into the existing water treatment system of the ship. During the installation of the UV system, professional help from a plumber was sought, who was able to install the system without any problems.
The UV system has not yet been put into operation on the high seas, as the "Cape Race" as an expedition ship has been affected by the restrictions and impacts of the Corona pandemic for almost two years. Nevertheless, the installed system from UV concept was tested for drinking water quality. To this end, the official authorities were consulted, who checked the drinking water, taking into account the legal standards. Thus, the drinking water quality was tested with the use of the UV system from UV concept and officially deemed "good." Even though these legal requirements are not a prerequisite or condition for the ship, the team of the "Cape Race" cares about ensuring the highest
Quality standards are ensured to make the adventure in the Arctic an unforgettable experience.
Maarten van der Duijn Schouten became aware of the systems from UV concept because the technology of UV disinfection was already known and solutions for drinking water systems were explicitly sought. The sewage treatment plant on board also uses a disinfection process with UV light. Even though there are other companies that offer systems and equipment with UV, UV concept was the first choice, according to Maarten van der Duijn Schouten. Above all, due to the quality and the extensive service offerings. Especially at this unconventional location, the right system that meets all necessary requirements, as well as the best possible support, is particularly important to ensure reliable and low-maintenance operation at sea.
