RWO Reveals Costly Risks of Non-OEM Filters in Ship Oil-Water Separators

Water treatment specialists RWO conducted tests showing that ship owners waste money by using filters from other manufacturers in their oil-water separator systems, as required by the MARPOL convention for ships over 400 gross tonnage. The International Maritime Organization sets limits on wastewater discharge, with OWS systems needing to comply with specific regulations to demonstrate compliance. OEM and non-OEM filter cartridges are available for OWS systems, with non-OEM parts often chosen for cost savings, despite not undergoing rigorous testing.

However, tests show that non-OEM filters may not meet performance standards, leading to potential compliance issues and fines for ship operators in case of pollution incidents. OEM filters are found to be heavier, more robust, and contain more activated carbon for better oil capture performance and durability. RWO conducted tests comparing their cartridges with non-OEM options, showing that non-OEM filters may need more frequent replacement to meet performance requirements.

Ship operators are advised to use genuine RWO cartridge filters to ensure compliance with regulations, minimize operating costs, and reduce downtime over the OWS lifecycle. Despite the availability of cheaper non-OEM options, the long-term costs of using these may outweigh the initial savings due to potential performance issues and more frequent replacements. Genuine RWO filters can be easily identified by their performance and the RWO stamp, ensuring peace of mind for ship operators worldwide.

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