Engineering Corner — Let’s Talk Poo!

Every ship has her secrets, and aboard the Our Ship one of the most important — and least glamorous — is what happens below decks when nature calls.

Our Engineering Corner have been hard at work on the ship’s sewage system, and there’s plenty to report. Black and grey water from across the ship is collected in tanks fore and aft, before making its way into the tank — the hardworking heart of the whole operation. Inside, bacteria get busy digesting the solid material, helped along by a blower that keeps things aerated and active. The treated water then passes into the wet well, where it meets peracetic acid — nature’s chlorinator — before being safely discharged overboard.

Recent upgrades include improved vent lines to reduce back pressure, dosing pump upgrade, new spare level sensors, and custom-built test units to make future maintenance easier. The wet well sensor is also nearly ready, with modifications to allow easy removal for cleaning. There’s more to come too — the wet well controller is currently running on US-designed 100V supply, with plans underway to bring it down to a safer 24V.

In short, the system is in better shape than ever — and the team has done a remarkable job keeping things flowing smoothly.