Cathelco anti-fouling systems fitted to 14 ferries in Istanbul
Cathelco have received their largest single order for seawater pipework anti-fouling systems to protect ferries in terms of the number of vessels that have to be fitted, said in the company's press release.
The systems are being supplied for 14 ferries operated by Istanbul Deniz Otobusleri (IDO), the providers of fast sea transportation in Istanbul. Eight of the car/passenger ferries have the capacity to carry up to 112 vehicles and the remaining six can accommodate 66 cars.
Vessels operating in-shore are particularly vulnerable to bio-fouling in pipework caused by the growth of barnacles and mussels. Over a period of time these can cause blockages which impair the efficiency of engine cooling systems leading to increased fuel usage.
“Although these are relatively small systems they will do an important job in preventing barnacle and mussel larvae from settling and growing on the interior surfaces of pipes”, said Erdal Dincer, managing director of Industrial & Marine Supplies, Cathelco’s well established agent in Istanbul.
On each of the ferries, Cathelco anodes will be fitted in three strainers using nylon sleeves to simplify installation. In operation, the copper anodes are fed with a current from a control panel and produce ions which create an environment where barnacle and mussel larvae will not settle or breed. The system is completely automatic and requires the minimal attention from the crew, an important factor on small, hardworking vessels.
Cathelco are world leaders in seawater pipework anti-fouling systems with a record of more than 30,000 installations stretching back over a period of more than 50 years. These range from systems for VLCCs and container ships to cruise vessels, ferries, offshore supply craft and luxury yachts. The company also supplies anti-fouling systems for the warships and submarines of 40 navies worldwide.
In addition, Cathelco design and manufacture impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems which protect steel and aluminium hulls against corrosion. These have been adopted for many types of vessels including numerous high speed ferries where systems can be supplied to protect the hull, water jets and thruster tunnels.