Overboard emission management and compliance is key to minimising the spread of invasive species through ballast water and safeguard against marine pollution.  

Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) 

With a goal to be at the forefront of environmental protection at sea, minimising the spread of invasive species through ballast water is essential for Höegh Autoliners. Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS) have been incorporated in the company's new shipbuilding (Newbuilding) projects since 2014, minimising the risk of spreading harmful organisms between ocean regions. Only BWTS with the highest rating, and certified by both the IMO and USCG are selected for the Höegh Autoliners vessels.  

In 2017, well ahead of the IMO rules entering into force, Höegh Autoliners started retrofitting BWTS on board existing vessels (built before 2014). In 2021, majority of Höegh Autoliners' vessels have BWTS installed on board with only two remaining vessels scheduled for BWTS installation following dry-docking schedule in February 2022 and December 2022 respectively. 

 Until we have a BWT system implemented on all vessels, Höegh Autoliners will continue to apply strict ballast water management, where we only do ballast water exchange in approved deep sea areas to minimise environmental impact. 

Sludge and Bilge Water 

In our aim to protect life below sea, we also work to minimise the amount of waste oil, sludge and bilge water produced. The sludge and bilge is cleaned on board using state-of-the-art equipment.   

To monitor the discharge from the oily water separator, all our vessels have a White box system installed. The White box system is an automatic system that analyses the water content from the separator and if it is found to contain more residue than allowed, it will automatically flow it back to the bilge tank and prevent discharge. By controlling and separating the residue from the water, we ensure that we have only solid waste for disposal on shore and clean spill-water. The system is connected to the vessel GPS, preventing the release of spill water inside restricted areas and has a tracking log of all operation to provide verification of discharge. 

Garbage 

In Höegh Autoliners we operate a zero garbage overboard principle. This means no garbage other than food waste is to be discharged in to the sea. All garbage produced on board is segregated in separate containers, and only disposed at approved shore facilities. Our vessels also apply on-board incineration system.