Reliable vacuum toilets for busy ferry operations
With high passenger volumes and frequent departures, ferry toilets are in almost constant use. On board M/F Giskøy, the Jets® vacuum sanitary system delivers dependable operation day after day with minimal maintenance, helping ensure a reliable experience for both passengers and crew.
For four decades, our people have developed trusted and eco-efficient sanitation solutions used around the world. We believe technology can make a positive difference – and that dedication and competence are key to making it happen.
On the Hareid–Sulesund ferry route in Norway, Fjord1 operates three sister vessels: M/F Giskøy, M/F Suløy and M/F Hadarøy. Every day, thousands of passengers use the route as part of their journey, many taking the opportunity to use the onboard facilities before continuing their drive.
Together, the ferries transport more than 2,300 vehicles daily, placing high demands on the onboard sanitary systems. All three vessels rely on Jets® vacuum sanitary systems to deliver dependable operation throughout the day.
For Chief Engineer Vidar Blomvik on board M/F Giskøy, the difference compared to previous generations of systems is significant.
- In the past, we had to adjust valves and carry out repairs much more frequently. Now, long periods can pass without us needing to do anything. The vacuum system just keeps running, he says.
With high passenger volumes and short port calls, reliable operation is essential. When the toilets function as intended, it means less troubleshooting, less maintenance and a more predictable working day for the crew.
From frequent interventions to stable operation
Blomvik has followed the development of vacuum sanitary systems over many years and has seen reliability improve significantly over time.
Previously, it was more common to adjust or repair valves several times a year. Wear on diaphragms and other components could result in additional maintenance work and less predictable operation. Today, the situation is very different.
- It is extremely rare that we need to do anything at all, says Blomvik.
The few issues that do occur today are mainly caused by improper use or foreign objects being flushed down the toilets rather than weaknesses in the vacuum system itself. For the crew, this means less time spent on troubleshooting and fewer interruptions to daily operations.
Developed through operational experience
The Jets® systems have been continuously developed through close collaboration with crews and vessel operators around the world.
- Many of the improvements introduced over the years have come through ongoing dialogue with crews and operators. Experience from real-world operation is extremely valuable when developing the next generation of systems, says Raymond Hovlid.
The objective has been to make the systems more robust and less vulnerable to wear and foreign objects.
- The new Jets® valves appear far more robust than before. In the past, we occasionally experienced leaks and more maintenance requirements, whereas today they operate reliably for long periods, says Blomvik.
At the same time, Jets® vacuum units provide exceptionally high capacity relative to their footprint. On vessels where available space is limited, compact and service-friendly solutions are essential.
The importance of the right operating profile
Although the systems are highly reliable, regular maintenance remains important. On ferries with heavy passenger traffic, uric scale build-up- commonly referred to as scaling- is a well-known challenge in pipework systems.
- Scaling is probably the main challenge on ferries in general because of the operating pattern and the high utilisation rate. We have worked closely with JETS for many years to identify the solutions that best suit our operating profile, says Blomvik.
Ferries have a different usage pattern from many other vessel types. Large numbers of passengers use the toilets during short and intensive periods, placing high demands on both system capacity and operational reliability.
- The load on ferry sanitary systems is extremely high compared to many other vessel types. That makes reliability, serviceability and response time particularly important, says Hovlid.
Through testing and the exchange of operational experience, JETS and Fjord1 have worked together to develop cleaning and maintenance routines tailored to actual operating conditions on board. The result is a system that delivers stable performance over time without unnecessary downtime or interventions.
- A lot comes down to finding the right maintenance intervals and the right operating profile. Once that is in place, the system performs extremely well, says Blomvik.
Close support and rapid response
For vessels operating continuously, fast access to service and spare parts is crucial. According to Blomvik, Jets® has maintained close support throughout the years.
- We find that JETS responds quickly whenever an issue arises and provides effective solutions. That is important when vessels operate continuously and need to remain fully operational at all times, he says.
Hovlid points out that JETS has spent many years strengthening spare parts availability and reducing response times.
- Service performance is extremely important to us. We know our customers depend on these systems every day, which means support, spare parts availability and follow-up must be delivered quickly whenever needed, says Hovlid.
Ultimately, the objective is simple: sanitary systems that passengers never have to think about, and crews rarely have to service.
- Passengers simply expect the toilets to work every time they step on board. For us as crew members, a stable and predictable system makes a significant difference to our everyday operations, Blomvik concludes.