The Wärtsilä Hamworthy Membrane BioReactor (MBR) systems are designed to facilitate the management and treatment of both “grey” and “black” wastewater, and to monitor discharges to the sea. Cunard Line awarded the contract during the third quarter, 2014.
Cunard’s 2620 passenger capacity Queen Mary 2 entered service in 2004 and was designed with the aim of reducing the vessel’s impact on the environment through more efficient waste management. The existing on-board system is now due for replacement and two Wärtsilä Hamworthy MBR 16 systems have been selected to maintain the ship’s environmental standards.
Wärtsilä’s MBR technology is a wastewater treatment process based on biological degradation and membrane separation. The company says it delivers the highest quality discharge without requiring any addition or generation of chemicals hazardous to the maritime or shipboard environments.
The Wärtsilä Hamworthy MBR is capable of meeting both current and anticipated effluent quality standards, the company says.
Disney Cruise Line is the most environmentally responsible line, earning an A for sewage treatment and an overall A grade, while Carnival Cruise Lines received an F for sewage treatment and an overall grade of C-minus, according to Friends of the Earth’s 2013 Cruise Ship Report Card.