As a vessel owner or operator, ensuring compliance with global and regional water hygiene standards a legal obligation and critical step towards protecting the marine environment and promoting sustainability.
In the ever-evolving landscape of environmental regulations, the shipping industry faces a myriad of compliance requirements, particularly in the realm of water emissions.
At Lucion, we understand the complexities and challenges of vessel water compliance testing. Our team of highly trained and experienced surveyors and analysts provides water compliance services to ensure you receive comprehensive, reliable and efficient testing services that help you comply to important regulations and ensure effective water hygiene throughout your vessel’s water system.
Water hygiene testing is essential in the maritime and transport vessels sector and the maritime ports and infrastructure sectors because of the potential for creating ideal breeding conditions within water systems onboard ships. Ship-borne legionella is a threat and cause Legionnaires’ disease, Pontiac or, in the worst cases, death. All types of ships are at risk of legionella bacteria, including passenger cruise ships, container or cargo ships and off-shore accommodation vessels. Therefore, it is crucial that you conduct regular water hygiene testing and implement an effective Water Safety Plan to mitigate the legionella risk.
As a UK-based, market-leading, independent, ISO 17205 UKAS accredited testing, inspection, and consultancy service provider, we offer a wide range of water hygiene testing services tailored to the specific needs of the shipping industry.
Our water compliance testing services include:
Ballast Water Testing
We conduct thorough testing of ballast water samples taken from your vessel’s ballast tanks to analyse the presence of non-native species and pathogens, like legionella. Our analysis ensures compliance with the Ballast Water Convention and helps minimise the introduction of harmful organisms into marine ecosystems.
Bilge Water Testing
Our team analyses samples of bilge water for oil and grease content, ensuring compliance with the Vessel General Permit (VGP) 2013 and other relevant regulations. We provide accurate and timely results to help you manage and treat bilge water effectively.
Blackwater Testing
We test blackwater (sewage) discharge from your vessel’s kitchens and dishwashers to detect the presence of pathogens and grease. Our water hygiene testing and analysis helps you meet the required standards and prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and diseases in the marine environment.
Greywater Testing
Our comprehensive greywater testing services cover wastewater from sinks, dishwashers, showers, hand basins, baths, and washing machines. We analyse the samples for harmful chemicals, fats, oils, bleaches, and germs, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and protecting human health from legionella and other diseases and improving water quality.
Potable Water Testing
We conduct regular testing of your vessel’s drinking water supplies in accordance with the ILO Maritime Labour Convention. Our water hygiene testing services ensure that the potable water on board is safe, free from contaminants, and meets the required drinking water standards.
Exhaust Gas Water Cleaning Systems Testing
For vessels equipped with exhaust gas cleaning systems, often referred to as scrubbers, we analyse samples of exhaust gases for pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, and particulate matter. Our water compliance services help you comply with Regulation 2.2.26 of VGP 2013 and ensure that scrubber wash water discharge does not contain harmful quantities of oil or oily mixtures.
We are committed to delivering the highest standards of service and expertise in vessel water hygiene testing and water compliance services to conduct legionella testing and implement legionella control where necessary. Our team of surveyors and analysts undergoes rigorous training and adheres to industry best practices to ensure accurate, reliable, and timely results.
During our water hygiene testing surveys, our surveyors and consultants:
- Attend the vessel and obtain all necessary permits according to terminal requirements
- Prepare and sample according to EPA methodology
- Conduct on-board testing using state-of-the-art equipment and devices
- Implement sample preservation measures as required by regulations
- Perform microbiological and chemical laboratory analysis using EPA-approved methods
- Maintain a complete chain of custody record
- Provide comprehensive laboratory reports and support to ensure compliance with VGP and IMO (D1 & D2 standard) regulations
With our extensive experience and expertise, we are well-equipped to handle urgent works and restricted timescales without compromising on quality control. Our capacity management and capabilities enable us to react quickly to your needs and deliver the results you require to maintain compliance with water hygiene testing legislation and protect the marine environment.
We also provide other legionella and water services, including legionella risk assessment services, legionella awareness training and water systems cleaning and disinfection services. At Lucion, we are committed to protecting people and planet through our expert services, ensuring suitable legionella control measures are in place.
