Oil Water Separators: Why Proper Maintenance is Critical for Shipping Operations

Francis Wong
Francis Wong
Managing Director
Creating no-code websites and informative articles, such as this one, is what I enjoy. I also have a passion for search marketing and SEO.

Oil water separators are essential components of modern shipping operations, providing a critical function in ensuring that ships are able to operate in an environmentally responsible manner. In this article, we will examine why it is so important for ship's crew to maintain their oily water separators properly and how failure to do so can lead to serious consequences.

Reduces Environmental Pollution

One of the primary functions of an oil water separator is to remove oil and other hydrocarbons from ship's bilge water before it is discharged into the sea. This is critical to reducing the amount of pollutants in the discharge and limiting the environmental impact of shipping operations. In the absence of proper maintenance, oil water separators can become clogged or otherwise compromised, allowing oil and other pollutants to escape into the sea.

Comply with International Regulations

International regulations regarding oil pollution from shipping operations are becoming increasingly strict, and ships must meet strict discharge standards to avoid penalties and reputational damage. A properly maintained oil water separator is essential for ensuring that ships are in compliance with these regulations and avoiding fines or other penalties.

Avoid Financial Penalties and Reputational Damage

In addition to the environmental impact of a polluted discharge, failure to maintain oily water separators can result in significant financial penalties and reputational damage to shipping companies. In many cases, ships that fail to meet environmental standards may be banned from operating in certain ports or regions, causing significant disruptions to shipping schedules and operations.

Ensures Safe and Efficient Operations

Proper maintenance of oil water separators is also critical to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of ships. In many cases, the discharge from oil water separators must meet specific standards in order for the ship to be able to operate in compliance with international regulations. In the absence of proper maintenance, ships may be forced to shut down or limit their operations, causing significant disruptions to shipping schedules and operations.

In conclusion, proper maintenance of oil water separators is critical for ensuring the environmental responsibility, regulatory compliance, and safe and efficient operation of ships. By ensuring that their oily water separators are well-maintained, ship's crew can help to protect the environment, comply with international regulations, and maintain the reputation and financial stability of their shipping operations.

N&P Maritime is an authorized Singapore based service partner for RWO GmbH since 2016. We are one of their 40 global service stations. Our services include: 

  1. Troubleshoot/Repair,
  2. Authorized Deckma OCM(OMD) calibration
  3. RWO equipment health check

N&P Maritime has an extensive inventory for RWO/Deckma consumable spare parts such as coalescer filter, absorber polisher, zinc anodes, gauges, desiccators and more, in our warehouse.

We are able to provide same day delivery, there is no minimum order quantity, and a price advantage due to regular consolidated shipment from Germany.

Contact us at sales@npmarine.sg and/or +65 97684033 if you have any questions.

*RWO GmbH has been supplying future-proof made in Germany solutions for marine water treatment for over 45 years. Their product portfolio includes equipment for the treatment of drinking and process water as well as systems for pollution prevention such as oily water separators or sewage treatment plants. RWO is a technological leader in the field of oil/water-separation with over 16,000 units delivered worldwide. More than 40 global sales and service stations.