Maersk Introduces Innovative Method for Ships to Provide Potable Water to Arid Ports
Three former seafarers employed by Maersk have devised a method to transport fresh water from vessels to ports. The initiative enhances the current fresh water generation system on container ships to store and distribute it in tank containers to ports and areas confronting a shortage of fresh water.
The issue of fresh water scarcity is escalating globally. According to United Nations projections, 4 billion people—nearly two-thirds of the world's population—experience severe water scarcity for at least one month annually, and by 2025, half of the world's population could reside in regions facing water scarcity.
Cargo ships engaged in international trade are outfitted with fresh water generator systems that purify seawater into potable water using heat energy derived from their engines. Historically, this process has been utilized solely for onboard consumption. However, surplus water generated has been disregarded. This new initiative aims to leverage this overlooked resource by refining the process and storing excess water in tank containers for delivery to ports.
On an average voyage between two ports, each vessel can fill two tank containers. By optimizing the process and strategically storing tank containers onboard, two containers with a combined capacity of 50,000 liters can be filled with fresh water. Notable pilot deliveries include two tank containers, each carrying 25,000 liters of fresh water, to the Port of Colombo and Port of Salalah. Water quality testing conducted by the Ceylon Institute of Scientific & Industrial Research, an official Sri Lankan government laboratory, confirmed compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
Maersk expressed optimism about the project's potential to significantly increase the supply of fresh water globally. They believe that many other ships worldwide can adopt this system, contributing to the ongoing effort to address water scarcity challenges.
