Ballast Water Treatment
Ballast water management systems are essential to protecting marine ecosystems and keeping global trade flowing. With the CompactClean Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) from DESMI, you get a compact, efficient, and globally compliant solution. Designed with a low system footprint and high flow rates suitable for even large vessels, CompactClean ensures smooth operation and easy installation.
Compliant with both IMO and USCG standards, the system uses UV treatment to eliminate harmful microorganisms - safe for crews, effective for the environment, and ready for use in ports worldwide.
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Why Ballast Water Treatment Matters
Every year, ships move millions of tons of ballast water across oceans – and with it, microscopic life that can harm new ecosystems. Effective ballast water treatment is therefore key to prevent the spread of invasive species and protect marine biodiversity worldwide.
The CompactClean Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) from DESMI uses UV light technology to neutralize algae, bacteria, and small organisms before discharge. Being UV based, the CompactClean system does not produce or need hazardous chemicals to work. This ensures that ships meet global environmental standards without introducing harmful chemicals or complex handling procedures.


Compliance and Certification
Ballast water treatment is governed by strict international standards to protect marine environments from invasive species.
Type approved in accordance with the IMO BWMS Code (also referred to as the revised G8), the US Coast Guard (USCG), and multiple classification societies, CompactClean fully complies with the mandatory regulations, ensuring smooth operations in any waters.
DESMI’s CompactClean system has been IMO approved since September 2018 and USCG approved since April 2019, making it a proven, reliable choice for global fleets. With one operating mode worldwide, it eliminates the complexity of switching between regional standards.
DESMI BWMS Benefits
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IMO & USCG Approved
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Chemical Free Treatment
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Down to UV-Transmission of just 35% in IMO waters and 40% in USCG territory
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No salinity or temperature limitations
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Fully automated operation
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Automatic flow control and lamp dimming
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Graphic HMI touchscreen interface
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Automatic generation of PDF reports to authorities
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Low holding time
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No water cooling or compressed air system required
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Easy maintenance
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Multipurpose Backflush/Recirculation/Stripping pump included
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UV unit made of Nickel-Alu-Bronze material with proven sea-water corrosion resistance
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Worldwide service network
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Very low footprint
Customer stories
DESMI provides reliable support to ensure smooth installation and operation of our CompactClean BWMS. Our experienced engineers conduct onboard inspections to identify the best retrofit location and deliver clear reports to guide the process. With engineering handled by the system experts, you benefit from optimal integration across any vessel type.
To support your crew, we offer comprehensive training through our physical training facilities, tailored training packages, and flexible computer-based training (CBT). Together, these services ensure safe, efficient, and confident system operation.