Sewage Treatment Plant On A Ship Marpol Annex Iv: Derleyen: Nejat Öztezcan Chief Engineer

Sewage Treatment Plant on a
Ship
MARPOL ANNEX IV
Derleyen: Nejat
Öztezcan Chief Engineer
Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief
Engineer
“Sewage” means:
1. Drainage and other wastes from any form of toilets, urinals, and
WC
scuppers
2. Drainage from medical premises (dispensary, sick bay, etc.) via

wash basins, wash tubs and scuppers located in such premises
3. Drainage from spaces containing living animals
4. Other waste waters when mixed with the drainages defined above.
5. “discharge”, in relation to sewage, means any release

howsoever caused from a ship, and, includes any escape,
disposal, spilling, leaking, pumping, emitting or emptying.
Engineer
The exact amount of sewage and waste water flow generated on
board
ship is difficult to quantify.
European designers tend to work on the basis of 70 litres/person/day

of toilet waste (including flushing water) and about 130-150
litres/person/day of washing water (including baths, laundries, etc.).
US authorities suggest that the flow from toilet discharges is as high as

114 litres/person/day with twice this amount of washing water.

Engineer
The breakdown of raw sewage in water is effected by aerobic bacteria
if there is a relatively ample presence of oxygen, but by anaerobic
bacteria if the oxygen has been depleted.
When the amount of sewage relative to water is small, dissolved

oxygen in the water will assist a bio-chemical (aerobic) action which
breaks down the sewage into simple, clean components and carbon
dioxide.
This type of action is produced in biological sewage treatment plant

in which air (containing 21% oxygen) is bubbled through to sustain
the aerobic bacteria.
The final discharge from an aerobic treatment plant has a clean

and clear appearance.
Engineer
The discharge of large quantities of raw sewage into restricted waters
such as those of inland waterways and enclosed docks, will cause rapid
depletion of any oxygen in the water so that aerobic bacteria are
unable to survive.
When the self-purification ability of the limited quantity of water

is overwhelmed in this way, breakdown by putrefaction occurs.
Anaerobic bacteria, not reliant on oxygen for survival are associated

with this action which results in the production of black colour
water and gases which are toxic and flammable.
The process is used deliberately in some shore sewage treatment

works to produce gas which is then used as fuel for internal
combustion engines on the site.

Engineer
Effluent quality standards
To discharge sewage in territorial waters the effluent quality may

have to be within certain standards laid down by the local or national
authorities.
These will usually be based on one or more of three factors, namely

the
• bio-chemical oxygen demand (BOD),
• suspended solids content and
• e coliform count of the discharce.

Engineer
The sewage generated on the ship cannot be stored on the ship
for a very long time and it for this reason it has to be discharged
into the sea.
Though sewage can be discharged into the sea, we cannot

discharge it directly overboard as there are some
regulations regarding discharging of sewage that needs to
be followed.
Sewage on sea is generally the waste produced from toilets,

urinals and WC scuppers.

Engineer
Generally, ships prefer treating sewage before discharging to
save themselves from any type of embarrassment.
There are different methods of treating sewage available in the

market, but the most common of them is the biological type for it
occupies less space for holding tank, unlike those of the other
methods. Moreover, the discharge generated from this plant is eco
friendly.
It is to not that each sewage treatment system installed onboard has

to be certified by classification society and should perform as per their
requirement and regulations.
The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the

International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted resolution
MEPC.2(VI) Recommendation on International Effluent Standards and
Guidelines for Performance Nejat
Tests forChief
ÖZTEZCAN Sewage Treatment Plants in
Engineer
The Annex entered into force on 27 September 2003.
A revised Annex IV was adopted on 1 April 2004 and entered into

force on 1 August 2005.
Special Areas
In July 2011, MEPC 62 adopted, by resolution MEPC.200(62), the most

recent amendment to MARPOL Annex IV, which entered into force on
1 January 2013.
The amendment introduced, inter alia, a definition for Special Area

as well as relevant requirements for the discharge of sewage from
passenger ships in Special Areas and for port reception facilities.

Engineer
The discharge of sewage from passenger ships within a Special Area is
generally be prohibited under the new regulations, except when the
ship has in operation an approved sewage treatment plant which
has been certified by the Administration.
The sewage treatment plant installed on a passenger ship intending to

discharge sewage effluent in Special Areas should additionally meet
the nitrogen and phosphorus removal standard when tested for its
Certificate of Type Approval by the Administration.
Currently, the Baltic Sea area is the only Special Area under Annex IV.

Engineer
Two particular types of sewage treatment plant are in use, employing
either chemical or biological methods.
The chemical method is basically a storage tank which collects solid

material for disposal in permitted areas or to a shore collection
facility.
The biological method treats the sewage so that it is acceptable

for discharge inshore.

Engineer
• “New ship” means a ship:
o For which the building contract is placed, or in the absence of

a building contract, the keel of which is laid, on or after 27
September 2003; or
o The delivery of which is on or after 27 September 2006.
• “Existing ship” means a ship which is not a new ship.
• “Holding tank” means a tank used for the collection and storage of
sewage.

Engineer
“International voyage” means a voyage from a country to a port
outside
such country, or conversely.
“Person” means member of the crew and passengers.
“Anniversary date” means the day and the month of each year
which will correspond to the date of expiry of the International
Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate.
Greywater is drainage from dishwater, shower, laundry, bath

and washbasin drains.
Blackwater is any waste from toilets or urinals.

Engineer
Application
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the following ships
engaged
in domestic and international voyages:
• New ships of 400 gross tonnage and above; and
• New ships of less than 400 gross tonnage which are certified to
carry
more than 15 persons;
• Existing ships engaged in service in the Baltic Sea area and
Danish territorial waters with a gross tonnage of or above 400,
• Existing ships engaged in service in the Baltic Sea area and
Danish territorial waters with a gross tonnage below 400,
approved for carrying more than 15 persons,
• Existing ships of 400 gross tonnage and above, not later than on
27 September 2008.
Engineer
Exceptions
Regulation shall not apply to:
The discharge of sewage from a ship necessary for the purpose of

securing the safety of a ship and those on board or saving life at sea.
The discharge of sewage resulting from damage to a ship or its

equipment if all reasonable precautions have been taken before
and after the occurrence of the damage, for the purpose of
preventing or minimizing the discharge.
The 2008 Regulations do not apply to any warship, naval auxiliary or

other ship owned or operated by a State and used, for the time
being, only on Government, noncommercial service.
However, as a matter of good practice these ships are recommended

comply
to Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief
Engineer
The discharge of sewage into the sea is prohibited, except when:
The ship is discharging comminuted and disinfected sewage using a

system approved by the Administration in accordance with
regulation
9.1.2 of this Annex at a distance of more than 3 nautical miles from
the
nearest land,
or sewage which is not comminuted or disinfected at a distance of

more than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land, provided that, in
any case, the sewage that has been stored in holding tanks shall not be
discharged instantaneously but at a moderate rate when the ship is en
route and proceeding at not less than 4 knots; the rate of discharge
shall be approved by the Administration based upon standards
developed by the Organization.
Engineer
The test results of the plant are laid down in the ship's
International
Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate; and
additionally, the effluent shall not produce visible floating solids

nor cause discoloration of the surrounding water.

Engineer
What is shown on the International Sewage Pollution
Prevention Certificate (ISPP Certificate) ?
1. Ship details
o Name of ship
o Distinctive number or letters
o Port of registry
o Gross tonnage
o Number of persons which the ship is certified to carry
o IMO Number
o New/existing ship
o Build date

Engineer
2. Equipment details
 Description of the sewage treatment

plant:
o Type of sewage treatment plant

o Name of manufacturer
o Description of comminuter:
o Type of comminuter
o Name of manufacturer
o Standard of sewage after
disinfection
 Description of holding tank:
o Total capacity of the holding tank

o Location
Engineer
Passenger ships in the waters of Alaska are obliged to conduct
all transfers of sewage and graywater according to the US-CFR.
As of July first, 2019, according to MARPOL, it will be stepwise

mandatory for all passenger ships to comply to the rules for the
Baltic Sea Special Area.
The Sewage and Graywater Discharge Record Book meets the

requirements of US CFR for the record on discharge and transfer
to reception facilities and off board.
It serves the purpose of documentation according to MARPOL IV

and
therefore may also be used by cargo ships.
IMO Regulations:
We have been talking about IMO regulations but what exactly

are they.
Well basically IMO says that you can discharge sewage directly
overboard if your distance from the nearest land is more than 12
nautical miles, provided it does not discolour the sea water or leads
to any floating debris.
Between 3 to 12 nautical miles from land, sewage can only

be disposed off after treatment.
Anything less than 3 nautical miles you cannot dispose

overboard.
What Surveys are
required?
• An initial survey before the ship is put in service or before
the Certificate is issued for the first time
• A renewal survey not exceeding five years
• An additional survey after any important repairs or renewals

are
made. an accident occurs to a ship or a defect is discovered, the
Whenever
master or owner of the ship shall report at the earliest opportunity
to the Administration.
If the ship is in a port of another Party, the master or owner shall also
report immediately to the appropriate authorities of the Port State
and the nominated surveyor
Duration and validity of Certificate
1.An International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate shall be

issued for a period specified by the Administration which shall not
exceed five years.
2.When the renewal survey is completed within three months

before the expiry date of the existing Certificate, the new
Certificate shall be valid from the date of completion of the
renewal survey to a date not exceeding five years from the date of
expiry of the existing Certificate.
3.If a Certificate is issued for a period of less than five years, the
Administration may extend the validity of the Certificate beyond
the expiry date to the maximum period specified in paragraph 1 of
this regulation
4.If a ship at the time when a Certificate expires is not in a port,
the Administration may extend the period of validity of the
Certificate only for the purpose of allowing the ship to complete
its voyage to the port .
5.No Certificate shall be extended for a period longer than three

months, and a ship to which an extension is granted shall not, on its
arrival in the port in which it is to be surveyed, be entitled by virtue
of such extension to leave that port without having a new
Certificate.
When the renewal survey is completed, the new Certificate shall be

valid to a date not exceeding five years from the date of expiry of
the existing Certificate before the extension was granted.
Standard discharge connections
To enable pipes of reception facilities to be connected with the
ship's discharge pipeline, both lines shall be fitted with a standard
discharge connection in accordance with the following table:

Engineer
Engineer
Reception facilities
Regulation 12 Reception facilities ;
The Government of each Party to the Convention, which requires

ships operating in waters under its jurisdiction and visiting ships while
in its waters to comply with the requirements of regulation 11.1,
undertakes to ensure the provision of facilities at ports and terminals
for the reception of sewage, without causing delay to ships, adequate
to meet the needs of the ships using them.
The Government of each Party shall notify the Organization, for

transmission to the Contracting Governments concerned, of all
cases where the facilities provided under this regulation are alleged
to be inadequate.
SEWAGE TREATMENT
TECHNOLOGIES ONBOARD
SHIPS
• Mechanical sewage treatment
• Chemical sewage treatment
• Biological sewage treatment

Sewage can be processed with three principal methods:
• mechanical,
• chemical and
• biological.
The sewage treatment is usually a combination of the three

principal methods, such as mechanical-chemical, mechanical-
biological and chemical-biological.
The treatment of sewage includes the following stages:
Waste water accumulation and management: In this stage of

proces waste water (black water, grey water and galley water has
been collected in holding tanks before processing planet.
Waste water pre-treatment: Wastewater pre-treatment protects
the
other phases of the purification process.
Sewage contains a lot of solid waste and grease that may
cause problems in the later stages of the process.
The pre-treatment process reduces the amount of solids in the
waste water.
Effective waste-water pre-treatment also reduces the need for
oxidation. The pre-treatment is mechanical and consists of sieving and
sedimentation units. The large particles pass through a shredding
before
Waste water oxidation: The mechanical filtering results in a maximum
of 50% reduction in organic load. The remaining organic compounds
have to be oxidized, either chemically or biologically.
Certain chemicals, e.g. ozone, chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, are added
to the sewage in the chemical oxidation. The chemicals oxidize the
organic impurities in the sewage water. When compared to the ozone
and hydrogen peroxide, chlorine is not a very environmental friendly
oxidant because of the carcinogenic compounds that develop as a by-
product of the reaction.
The added chemicals have an impact on the organic matter that

has dissoluted slightly and the BOD reduction remains small.
The estimated treatment results for reduction in BOD and phosphorus

are good. “Over-chlorination” results in high levels of residual
chlorine in the discharge, which is lethal to marine organisms.
In the biological treatment the micro-organisms use the impurities in
the sewage as their nourishment.
There are several types of bioprocesses and the most common

biological process is the active sludge treatment plant, where
the sewage is mixed in a continuous-action aeration tank with
active sludge.
Biological filters and biorotors are also used as biological treatment

plants. In these devices the bacteria that destroy the impurities
attach to the filtering material.
The biological treatment system is the most efficient way of

reducing the BOD load. The estimated reduction in BOD is 80–95%
and the reduction in phosphorus is 20–40%.
The effectiveness of the bioprocess depends on the amount of

active biomass and the bacteria livNienjatgÖZcTEoZCnANdCihtieifoEnnginse.er
The disadvantages of biological treatment are the long starting
period and its sensitivity to external disturbances.
The reasons for malfunction of the biological sewage treatment

system
are the following:
• Strong chemicals that have got into the plant are destroying
the bacteria.
• Bacteria die due to the lack of oxygen when the ventilation does
not work.
• The return of active sludge does not work.

Engineer
Waste water clarification and filtration: After oxidation, the sludge
is separated in a sedimentation tank and returned to the aeration
tank.
Separating the active biomass, sediment particles and bacteria from

the water is a critical phase in the wastewater purification process.
The clarification and filtration processes used in the ships are

membrane filtration, dissolved air flotation (DAF) and settling.
It is useful when treating waters that are high in total suspended

solids (TSS) or have highly variable suspended solids content.
Waste water disinfection:
The last phase in the wastewater purification process is disinfection.
Depending on the previous treatment method, the disinfection

enhances the quality of the wastewater or is an essential part of
the purification process.
When the membrane clarification and filtration is used, the disinfection

is performed with UV-light.
If the water is very turbid, the UV-light is not suitable for disinfection.
The other potential disinfectants are, for example, chlorine,

radicals and ozone.
Chemical sewage
treatment
This system minimises the collected sewage, treats it and retains it
until it can be discharged in a decontrolled area, usually well out to
sea.
Shore receiving facilities may be available in some ports to take this

retained sewage.
This system must therefore collect and store sewage produced while
the ship is in a controlled area. The liquid content of the system is
reduced, where legislation permits, by discharging wash basins, bath
and shower drains straight overboard.
Any liquid from water closets is treated and used as flushing water
for toilets.
and liquid must be treated such that it is acceptable in terms of

The
Various chemicals are added at different points for odour and
colour removal and also to assist breakdown and sterilisation.
A comminutor is used to physically break up the sewage and assist

the chemical breakdown process.
Solid material settles out in the tank and is stored prior to

discharge
into the sullage tank.
The liquid is recycled for flushing use. Tests must be performed

daily to check the chemical dosage rates. This is to prevent odours
developing and also to avoid corrosion as a result of high levels of
alkalinity.
CHEMICAL SYSTEM

Engineer
Biological sewage treatment
•Traditional Type II Marine Sanitation Devices (MSD)

Most of a cargo and cruise ships with traditional Type II Marine
Sanitation Devices (MSD), sewage is treated using biological
treatment and chlorination. Some cruise ships do not treat their
sewage biologically, but instead use maceration and chlorination.
The treatment system typically includes aerobic biological treatment

to remove biochemical oxygen demand and some nutrients,
clarification and filtration to remove solids, and final chlorine
disinfection to destroy pathogens.
The system also may include screening to remove grit and debris.
Cruise ships typically install up to four systems, allowing one or two
to be placed off-line for maintenance at any one time. Cargo ships
uses one unit only. Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief
Engineer
Engineer
• Advanced Wastewater Treatmant Systems (AWT):
To improve environmental performance, cruise lines are testing

and installing wastewater purification systems that utilize
advanced technologies.
These onboard wastewater treatment systems are designed to result

in effluent discharges that are of a high quality and purity; for
example, meeting or surpassing standards for secondary and tertiary
effluents and reclaimed water.
Effluents meeting these high standards would not be subjected to

the strict discharge limitations.

Engineer
AWT systems are still at the development stage. Generally
advanced treatment systems utilize enhanced aerobic digestion
with physical filtration to clean shipboard waste water.
On some cruise vessels, sewage and often graywater are treated

using
AWTs.
AWTs generally provide improved screening, biological treatment,

solids separation (using filtration or flotation), and disinfection
(using ultraviolet light) as compared to traditional Type II MSDs.

Engineer
Some manufacturers of AWT mostly installed on cruise vessels are
described below:
1. HAMWORTHY'S Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) system uses
aerobic biological treatment followed by ultrafiltration and ultraviolet
(UV) disinfection.
Hamworthy MBR system treats wastewater from accommodations
and sewage.
Wastewater is first treated in screen presses to remove paper and
other coarse solids.
Next, the wastewater enters a two stage bioreactor, where bacteria
digest the organic matter in the waste. Following biological treatment,
the wastewater is filtered through tubular ultrafiltration membranes
to remove particulate matter and biological mass, which are returned
to the bioreactors.
In the final stage of treatment, the wastewater undergoes
UV disinfection to reduce pathoNgejeatnÖZsT.EZCAN Chief Engineer
2. ROCHEM’s ROCHEM LPRO and ROCHEM Bio-Filt system treats
high concentration and low concentration waste streams with
different processes.
ROCHEM LPRO part of the system treats wastewater from laundry

and accommodations while the ROCHEM Bio-Filt treats wastewater
from galley and sewage, as well as the membrane concentrate from
the ROCHEM LPRO system.
The ROCHEM LPRO system uses screens to remove fibers and

hair, reverse osmosis membranes to remove particulates and
dissolved solids, and UV disinfection to reduce pathogens.

Engineer
3. The Zenon ZeeWeed MBR system uses aerobic biological
oxidation
followed by ultrafiltration and UV disinfection.
Graywater from the laundry, galley, accommodations, and food

pulper combines with sewage and flows through two coarse screens
into a collection tank.
From the collection tank, the wastewater is pumped to an aerated

bioreactor. After the bioreactor, the wastewater flows through
the proprietary ZeeWeed hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membrane
system under a vacuum.
In the final stage of treatment, the combined wastewater from

the
membranes undergoes UV disinfection to reduce pathogens.
Engineer
SCANSHIP AWP (Advanced Wastedwater Purification) system uses
aerobic biological oxidation followed by dissolved air flotation and
UV disinfection.
Sewage and graywater from the galley, accommodations, and

laundry
combine in one graywater and sewage holding tank.
The combined wastewater is pumped through a coarse drum filter

and
then through two separate aerated bioreactors.
After aeration, the wastewater is pumped to two dissolved air

flotation (DAF) units to separate solids.
From the DAF units, the wastewater is pumped to polishing

screen filters.
Engineer
The Hydroxyl CleanSea system uses aerobic biological
oxidation followed by dissolved air flotation and UV
disinfection.
Sewage and graywater are combined and pumped to a

fine wedgewire screen for coarse solids removal.
Next, the wastewater enters the ACTIVECELL biological reactors

where free-floating plastic beads support biological growth without
the need for recycled biological mass.
The wastewater then enters the ACTIVEFLOAT dissolved air flotation

units for solids separation.
Final treatment steps include polishing filters and UV disinfection

to reduce pathogens.
Engineer
EVAC is a company that designs, manufactures and markets
environmentally friendly waste and wastewater collection
and treatment solutions for the marine industry worldwide.
The Evac MBR is a single stream Advanced Waste Water
Treatment
system where all the waste streams are treated in one
process.
The Evac MBR is based on effective equalizing and mixing of the
incoming waste streams, pre-treatment by screens, an aerated
biotank and a membrane bioreactor.
In this proposal, a nutrient removal step is added to the basic
process.
The Evac MBR process is fully automated and controlled through a
PLC by vacuum/pressure switches, level switches, DO, TSS and pH
sensors, flow meters and foam detectors.
Engineer
Engineer
Engineer
According to international regulations, sewage treatmant plant has
to satisfy the effluent standards for its certificate of type test.
Most of traditional (Type II MSD) in practise operate on the

vessels with certain errors due to
• late start of the system before arrival in the port,
• reduced bio sludge,
• overclorination,
• disrupted by intermittent flow common to shipboard life.

Engineer
Biological sewage treatment
The biological system utilises bacteria to completely break down
the sewage into an acceptable substance for discharge into any
waters. The extended aeration process provides a climate in which
oxygen-loving bacteria multiply and digest the sewage, converting
it into a sludge. These oxygen-loving bacteria are known as
aerobic.
The treatment plant uses a tank which is divided into three

watertight compartments: an aeration compartment,
settling compartment and a chlorine contact compartment .

Engineer
The sewage enters the aeration compartment where it is digested
by aerobic bacteria and micro-organisms, whose existence is aided
by atmospheric oxygen which is pumped in.
The sewage then flows into the settling compartment where the
activated sludge is settled out. The clear liquid flows to the
chlorinator and after treatment to kill any remaining bacteria it is
discharged.
Tablets are placed in the chlorinator and require replacement as

they are used up.
The activated sludge in the settling tank is continuously recycled

and builds up, so that every two to three months it must be
partially removed.
Engineer
Working of a Biological Sewage Plant
The basic principle of the working of a biological treatment plant

is decomposition of the raw sewage.
This process is done by aerating the sewage chamber with fresh air.
The aerobic bacteria survive on this fresh air and decompose the
raw
sewage which can be disposed off in the sea.
Air is a very important criterion in the functioning of the biological

sewage plant because if air is not present, it will lead to growth of
anaerobic bacteria, which produces toxic gases that are hazardous
to health.
Also, after decomposition of the sewage with anaerobic bacteria, a
dark black liquid causes discoloration of water which is not
Engineer
Engineer
Division of Processes
The biological sewage plant is divides into three chambers:-
Aeration chamber
This chamber is fed with raw sewage which has been grinded to
form small particles. The advantage of breaking sewage in small
particles is that it increases the area and high number of bacteria
can attack simultaneously to decompose the sewage.
The sewage is decomposed into carbon dioxide, water and

inorganic sewage. The air is forced through diffuser into the air
chamber. The pressure of air flow also plays an important role in
decomposition of the sewage.
If pressure is kept high then the mixture of air and sewage will not
take place properly and it will escape without doing any work
required for decomposition. Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief
Engineer
It is for this reason; controlled pressure is important inside the sewage
treatment plant as this will help in proper mixing and decomposition
by the agitation caused by air bubbles.
Generally the pressure is kept around 0.3-0.4 bars.
Settling tank
The mixture of liquid and sludge is passed to settling tank from

the aeration chamber.
In the settling tank the sludge settles at the bottom and clear
liquid on the top.
The sludge present at the bottom is not allowed to be kept inside

the settling tank as this will lead to growth of anaerobic bacteria
and foul gases will be produced.The sludge formed is recycled with
the incoming sludge whereNejat it will mixes with the later and assist in
ÖZTEZCAN Chief
breakdown of Engineer
Chlorination and Collection
In this chamber the clear liquid produced from the settling tank is
over flown and the liquid is disinfected with the help of chlorine.
This is done because of the presence of the e-coli bacteria present

in the liquid. To reduce these bacteria to acceptable level
chlorination is done.
Moreover, to reduce the e-coli, the treated liquid is kept for a period
of at least 60 minutes. In some plants disinfection is also done with
the help of ultra violet radiation. The collected liquid is discharged to
overboard or settling tank depending on the geological position of the
ship. If the ship is in restricted or near coastline then the sewage will
be discharged into the holding tank; otherwise, the sewage is
discharged directly into the sea.
Engineer
Starting of a Sewage Plant
Sewage plant is generally running all the time during sailing, but it
might need to be started when the ship is installed with a new
sewage treat plant which needs to be stopped at regular interval of
time for improving its performance and maintenance procedures.
Below are the points that need to be followed for starting a

sewage treatment plant.

Engineer
1.Make sure if any maintenance is carried out on the sewage
treatment system, all the openings have been closed properly
before starting.
2. The sewage plant is be filled with fresh water inside the

chamber.
3.At this stage, there are no aerobic bacteria inside the chamber, but
the sewage has started coming to the plant. Thus, in order to
increase efficiency and starting rate of the plant bio pac is added to
the plant by flushing the amount specified in the manual. This bio
pac is mixed with warm water which helps in growth of these
bacteria and also efficient functioning of the plant.
4.If the bio pac is not added, the plant might take up to 5 to 7 days
to be completely functional. However, with the bio pac it becomes
functional within 24 hours.Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief
Engineer
5. Start the air compressor or open the air valve as per the design of
the plant. The pressure is maintained as per the manual. Generally
0.3-
0.4 bars.
6.Open the sewage overboard valve and close holding tank

valve when the ship is out of restricted waters.
7.The plant is continuously monitored and checked for the flow

through the transparent plastic tubes.
8. The sample is taken for checking for suspended solids and

chlorine
content.
Engineer
Stopping of the plant
Stopping of the sewage treatment plant is generally done either
before entering the dry dock or in case some maintenance has to
be carried out inside the treatment plant.
1.For stopping the system, close the inlet valve to the sewage
plant and close the overboard valve and let the sewage go
overboard.
2.Empty all the three chambers of the plant i.e. aeration, settling
and chlorination chambers. If the chambers are not emptied, it
will lead to growth of anaerobic bacteria which forms the toxic
H2S gas.
3.If entry has to be made inside the tank, the later should be
checked for hydrogen sulphide gas H2S with the help of dragor tube
by taking a continuous sample from the plant. Entry is made with
the help of mask and rubber gloves should be put on.
4.In case the ship is going toNejat
dryÖZTEZCAN
dockChief
the overboard should
Engineer
While operating the sewage plant, engineer must know:
• Procedure for starting and stopping sewage treatment plant
• Maintenance and checks for sewage treatment plant
However, apart from the above mentioned aspects, marine

engineers should also know four important terms while dealing
with sewage treatment plants on ships. They are:
1.Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
2.Coliform Count
3.Recommended levels of pumping out solids
4.Bio-chemical digestion Noejaft ÖsZTeEZwCANaCghieef

Engineer
1. Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Biochemical oxygen demand is a test to identify biological

decomposable substances and to test the strength of the sewage.
BOD depends on the activity of bacteria in the sewage. These
bacteria feed on and consume organic matter in the presence of
oxygen.
BOD can also be defined as the amount of oxygen required by

the micro-organisms in the stabilization of organic matter.
BOD of raw sewage is 300-600 mg/litre.
IMO recommends BOD of less than 50 mg/litre after treatment

through sewage treatment plant.
Engineer
2. Coliform Count
Coliform is a type of organism which is present in human intestine

and is recognized as indicator organisms of sewage pollution.
Presence of these organisms in water is an indication of pathogen,
which are diseases causing bacteria responsible for cholera,
dysentery, typhoid etc.
The number of coliform organisms present in sewage on ship is very

large, with each person contributing around 125 billion in winters
and 400 billion in summer.
IMO recommends faecal coliform count of less than 250

faecal/100 ml. of affluent after treatment.

Engineer
3. Recommended levels of pumping out solids
Dissolved solids – Solids which are dissolved in the solution
Suspended solids – Solids physically suspended in sewage that can

be removed by laboratory filtration and are relatively high in
organic matter.
Settleable solids – Suspended solids that will subside in quiescent

liquid in a reasonable period of time (usually around an hour)
Suspended level of raw sewage – Around 300-400 mg/litre;

IMO recommends 50 mg/ litre after treatment.
Residual disinfectant – After treatment residual disinfectant

should be as low as possible. IMO recommends use of ultra violet
exposure for chlorination method.
Engineer
4. Biochemical digestion of sewage:
Anaerobic process
Anaerobic bacteria can only multiply in the absence of free
oxygen as they utilize chemically bound oxygen to survive.
Anaerobic bacteria break down the organic matter into water,
carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen sulphide and ammonia. This
process is called putrefaction.
The products thus produced out of this process are noxious
and toxic. The effluent is of poor quality and by-products are
highly corrosive.
Aerobic process
Aerobic bacteria require free oxygen to survive. They break down
the organic matter to produce safe products such as water,
carbon dioxide, inert residue, and energy to synthesize new
bacteria. Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief
Engineer
Engineer
VACUUM SEWAGE
SYSTEM

Engineer
Engineer
General Description
The system uses vacuum to transport sewage from toilets
and urinals to collecting units.
There is a vacuum only in the piping network and collecting units
(Toilets, urinals etc.) remain under atmospheric pressure
unless when the flush button is pushed; for a set value of time
which is usually 7-15 seconds.
Each toilet is connected to the vacuum piping.
The connection is shut all times, except during the toilet flushing.
When the toilet is flushed, its discharge valve opens the
connection to the vacuum piping network for a pre-set
seconds and the contents of the bowl will be evacuated into the
sewer.
The evacuated sewage, very less water sprayed by spraying

nozzles, and few liters of air drawn during the flushing
Vacuum Pumps
The vacuum is created by specially designed jet pumps which are
connected to a vacuum manifold runs continuously until the vacuum
set point is reached on the vacuum manifold.
There are number of such pumps (Depending upon the number of

toilets installed in the ship) cut in / cut off sequentially by the
vacuum reading on the main manifold.
These vacuum creating pumps are cooled by water. Due to vacuum in

the pumping space the water starts to boil and the pump parts
become over heated to avoid this, a solenoid controlled valve
activated by the temperature sensor fitted on the body opens up
cooling water and closes when the temperature is under the limit.
The cooling water is eventually mixed with the sewage and pumped
to collecting tank Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief
Engineer
Main Advantage of the System
One of the main advantage of this system is that, very little

flushing water is required and the volume of sewage dealt with can
be much reduced with the downsizing of relevant equipment and
cost saving.
This has made them very popular for passenger vessels. Lloyd’s
regulations state that the capacity of a sewage system for flushing
water with conventional plant is 115 liters/ person/ day and 15 liters
for vacuum systems.
Main Disadvantage
The main disadvantage is blockage due to drying and crystallization of

urea. Over a period of time this can be so severe as to completely
close the pipes. Chemicals are on the market which can be added in
very small doses which help remove and prevent these deposits but
there success is not guaranteed.
Engineer
Engineer
Problems resulting from the retention of untreated sewage in a
holding tank.
1)The breakdown of raw sewage in water is effected by aerobic
bacteria, as long as there is a relatively ample presence of oxygen to
support the bacteria. In other words it’s effected by anaerobic
bacteria if the oxygen has been depleted.
2)When the amount of sewage relative to water is small, dissolved
oxygen in the water will assist a bio-chemical (aerobic) action
which breaks down the sewage into simple, clean components and
carbon dioxide.
3)In a holding tank if untreated sewage is stored then the bacteria
turn into an aerobic due to poor oxygen supply which creates black
sludge toxic and explosive gases which creates danger to the life of
personnel working around, in some cases they could explode as well
due to excessive accumulation of methane if a spark or heat source is
introduced.
Engineer
Engineer
Engineer
Engineer
Engineer

Sewage Treatment Plant On A Ship Marpol Annex Iv: Derleyen: Nejat Öztezcan Chief Engineer

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Sewage Treatment Plant on a

2. Drainage from medical premises (dispensary, sick bay, etc.) via

3. Drainage from spaces containing living animals

5. “discharge”, in relation to sewage, means any release

European designers tend to work on the basis of 70 litres/person/day

US authorities suggest that the flow from toilet discharges is as high as

Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief

When the amount of sewage relative to water is small, dissolved

This type of action is produced in biological sewage treatment plant

The final discharge from an aerobic treatment plant has a clean

When the self-purification ability of the limited quantity of water

Anaerobic bacteria, not reliant on oxygen for survival are associated

The process is used deliberately in some shore sewage treatment

Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief

To discharge sewage in territorial waters the effluent quality may

These will usually be based on one or more of three factors, namely

• bio-chemical oxygen demand (BOD),

• suspended solids content and

• e coliform count of the discharce.

Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief

Though sewage can be discharged into the sea, we cannot

Sewage on sea is generally the waste produced from toilets,

Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief

There are different methods of treating sewage available in the

It is to not that each sewage treatment system installed onboard has

The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of the

A revised Annex IV was adopted on 1 April 2004 and entered into

In July 2011, MEPC 62 adopted, by resolution MEPC.200(62), the most

The amendment introduced, inter alia, a definition for Special Area

Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief

The sewage treatment plant installed on a passenger ship intending to

Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief

The chemical method is basically a storage tank which collects solid

The biological method treats the sewage so that it is acceptable

Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief

o For which the building contract is placed, or in the absence of

o The delivery of which is on or after 27 September 2006.

• “Existing ship” means a ship which is not a new ship.

Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief

“Person” means member of the crew and passengers.

Greywater is drainage from dishwater, shower, laundry, bath

Blackwater is any waste from toilets or urinals.

Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief

Regulation shall not apply to:

The discharge of sewage from a ship necessary for the purpose of

The discharge of sewage resulting from damage to a ship or its

The 2008 Regulations do not apply to any warship, naval auxiliary or

However, as a matter of good practice these ships are recommended

The ship is discharging comminuted and disinfected sewage using a

or sewage which is not comminuted or disinfected at a distance of

additionally, the effluent shall not produce visible floating solids

Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief

Nejat ÖZTEZCAN Chief

 Description of the sewage treatment

o Type of sewage treatment plant

 Description of holding tank:

o Total capacity of the holding tank

As of July first, 2019, according to MARPOL, it will be stepwise

The Sewage and Graywater Discharge Record Book meets the

It serves the purpose of documentation according to MARPOL IV

We have been talking about IMO regulations but what exactly

Between 3 to 12 nautical miles from land, sewage can only

Anything less than 3 nautical miles you cannot dispose