New Measuring Devices Developed

The Central Marine Environmental Protection and Control Station under the PRC Maritime Administration has developed measuring devices to prevent marine pollution and maritime accidents.

At present, the use of anti-fouling paints containing organotin compound by cargo ships and fishing vessels, sewage treatment during navigation, and the use of poor quality fuel exert negative effects on marine environment.

For this reason, the International Maritime Organization imposes sanctions in case organotin compound, flash point, sulfur concentration and contamination of sewage go beyond limits in order to protect marine environment and prevent maritime incidents, and demands that all vessels carry written certification proving that they have undergone an inspection of the said indices.

The Central Marine Environmental Protection and Control Station has developed measuring devices for estimating flash point and sulfur concentration of fuel and contamination of sewage, and introduced them across the country, thus contributing to ensuring marine environment protection and safe voyage of vessels. Typically, the device for measuring the sulfur content in fuel was awarded a national patent in September last year.

On the basis of this, the station has recently developed a device for measuring organotin compound, a poisonous substance contained in the anti-fouling paints, thus laying a foundation for the strict inspection and control of the contamination by ships at ports in conformity with international standards.

The device was highly appreciated at the 38th National Sci-Tech Festival held in May.