On board production:

Ship water is primarily used by our guests and crew in their staterooms for showers, bathtubs and sinks but is also used for galleys, laundry, pools, whirlpools, spas and cleaning public spaces. We have focused our efforts on increasing water production onboard with sophisticated plants that use seawater as the source, which reduces the need for the bunkering of fresh water. This is particularly important in countries where fresh water is limited and best reserved for local populations.

• Reverse Osmosis (RO) produces fresh and technical water from seawater using high-pressure pumps and sophisticated water filters and treatment components.
• Evaporators produce fresh water from seawater utilizing heat sources such as Exhaust Gas Boilers, Oil-Fired Boilers or Wasted Heat recovered from the main engine high-temperature cooling system.
• Bunkered Water is potable water acquired in port for use on board.

Wastewater Treatment Systems

To treat wastewater on board, all ships are equipped with wastewater treatment systems. Wastewater is run through these systems and treated prior to discharge, resulting in effluent that meets or exceeds international sewage regulations and many municipal wastewater facility standards. Regent Seven Seas ships are equipped with Advanced Wastewater Purification systems (AWPs). Every ship’s wastewater is tested quarterly by a third-party, and our environmental officers also conduct weekly water quality tests to ensure we continue to meet all standards.

Bilge Water

Collected bilge water is held in storage tanks but can only be discharged after meeting international, national and company regulations. To ensure compliance, all ships are equipped with an automatic stopping device and an oil content meter, which work to confirm the ship’s compliance. This equipment will analyze and record the oil content of the bilge. If the bilge water does not meet these requirements, discharging is automatically stopped and the bilge water is recirculated until these standards are met. The remaining bilge water that cannot be discharged is collected and landed ashore to an approved vendor.

Ballast Water

To operate safely and comfortably, ships perform an operation known as ballasting, which helps to ensure trim, stability and structural integrity. Filling ballast tanks with ocean water helps stabilize ships, providing comfort to guests and crew. As water is discharged or as fuel is consumed, ships take on seawater to assist with stabilization. In calmer seas, ballast water may be released in a new environment. Treating ballast water before release removes tiny organisms that may have been picked up in transit in order to safeguard local ecosystems.