Many times awarded for its ecological commitment, La Méridionale continues its efforts to protect marine ecosystems. All of its ferries are already equipped with a ballast water management system.
Ballast water, an environmental issue
To ensure their stability and balance, steel-hulled ships draw in seawater and store it in large tanks called ballast. The liquid compensates for weight variations caused by changes in cargo, and improves maneuverability. When the ship is sailing at full speed, this ballast becomes unnecessary and the water is discharged.
For passengers and crew, ballast water is a guarantee of safety, but it also represents an environmental risk. Small animals, plants, algae and micro-organisms (plankton, microplankton and bacteria) are collected along with the water during ballasting. These species are then released into the sea or ocean when the tanks are emptied.
Released into an environment that is not their own, they disturb their new ecosystem. And in the absence of natural predators, they can become invasive and outcompete local flora and fauna.
What does the law say?
France has signed the 2017 International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments. It therefore requires all vessels sailing in its territorial waters to:
- renew their ballast water in open seas;
- or have a ballast water treatment system onboard.
The enforcement of this regulation is being phased in. Currently, the treatment system is mandatory only for ships built since 2017. However, by 2024, all ships will have to be equipped with a ballast water renewal system.
La Méridionale equips all its ships with an eco-friendly ballast water treatment system
Committed to protecting marine species, our shipping company did not wait for the convention to take effect before taking action. All La Méridionale ships are equipped with an ultraviolet ballast water management system. This technology makes it possible to meet the most demanding global standards without the use of chemicals.
The system combines a pre-filter, which removes suspended particles and purifies the water, and a UV filter, which renders any micro-organisms still present inactive. During ballasting, the water is filtered and UV-treated. It is again subjected to ultraviolet light during deballasting.
Like the electrical connection of ships at dock and the particle filter, ballast water management contributes to making your crossing to Corsica or Morocco more environmentally friendly.
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