The principle explained
All the desalination equipment can be integrated onto the vessel in the same way as on a barge. Tanks are included in the vessel.
Energy can be supplied from either onshore or from an onboard generator. The pipelines are installed as per the barge.
The key advantage for the vessel is the enhanced flexibility, as it can be moved from location to location under its own steam.
Advantages
The advantages of the SSI vessel-based desalination plant:
- Most flexible mobile desalination model
- High-volume, minimal-impact solution
- Self-powered
- Very cost-effective incarnation of modular technology
- Can be all be employed tactically to deal with crisis
- Can produce over 20,000m3 of fresh water per day
- Can be stored then towed to pre-prepared onshore facilities
- Stable platform for desalination plant
- Onboard brine/chemical buffer and mixing tanks
- Facilities/cost easily shared
- Responsible and environmentally-friendly disposal of brine
- Negotiable contract periods
- High residual and resale value
- Low site preparation, significant infrastructure required
- Minimal site restoration costs
Basic timelines
From signing of contracts:
Month 1 – Commence onshore and subsea infrastructure works, together with key equipment procurement
Month 3 – Plant and vessel purchase complete. Commence vessel conversion
Month 8 – Vessel converted
Month 10 – Desalination plant fully integrated on vessel
Month 12 – All onshore and offshore pipes/infrastructure installed and tested
Month 13 – Commence water production
