Usually no class type approval is needed, but the anti-fouling paperwork still applies: Lamers System Care fits SMART FLOW to box coolers and sea chests from the dry side, with transducers bonded to the structure using a 2-component industrial epoxy, and the system can be installed while the ship is in the water. What SMART FLOW does not remove is the IMO anti-fouling regime: IMO resolution MEPC.358(78) counts any “device” used to control or prevent attachment of unwanted organisms as an anti-fouling system, so for ships of 400 GT and above on international voyages, ask the flag Administration or its recognized organization beforehand whether they will treat the SMART FLOW installation as a change to the anti-fouling system and endorse the certificate.
Three separate questions — do not mix them up
| Question | What the sources say | What to do with SMART FLOW |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Does the equipment need class type approval? | None of the sources reviewed (IMO MEPC.358(78), ClassNK anti-fouling rules, cooler-maker and vendor pages) list a mandatory class type approval for dry-side ultrasonic box-cooler equipment. Type approval exists as a voluntary route for some makers (see contrast table). | Lamers System Care does not publish a class type-approval certificate for SMART FLOW. If your class or charterer requires one for your vessel, raise it at quotation stage. |
| 2. Is there an anti-fouling (AFS) survey? | MEPC.358(78) applies to ships of 400 GT and above on international voyages. A survey “should be carried out whenever an anti-fouling system is changed or replaced”, and the International Anti-fouling System Certificate is endorsed after it. Repairs affecting about 25 % or more of the system count as a change. ClassNK’s rules define a change of anti-fouling system to include “any changes in the types of such systems on ships” and call for Occasional Surveys when systems are changed or replaced. | Ask the flag/RO in advance whether the SMART FLOW installation is recorded as a change. Have the system description and transducer locations ready. |
| 3. Ship-specific checks | The AFS survey only verifies Convention compliance; MEPC.358(78) says it does “not relate to any aspect not regulated by the Convention”, including performance. Separate rules can apply, e.g. hazardous areas (see the ATEX example in the contrast table). | Treat the electrical connection (SMART FLOW runs on 110–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz) and any hazardous-area location as normal ship-installation items with your class surveyor. |
Why dry-side matters, and why it is not the whole answer
A dry-side install means nothing penetrates the cooler or hull plating, which is why vendors say no extra class documents are needed. That is about structure. The IMO definition is about function: MEPC.358(78) defines an anti-fouling system as “a coating, paint, surface treatment, surface, or device that is used on a ship to control or prevent attachment of unwanted organisms.” An ultrasonic system is such a device, so its place on the Record of Anti-fouling Systems is a flag/RO decision, not a vendor one.
What to send to class or flag before installing SMART FLOW
- System description: SMART FLOW control unit with 1–12 transducers, epoxy-bonded on the dry side; remote monitoring via the SMART FLOW Portal.
- Drawing or list of the protected areas: box coolers, sea chests, strainers, piping.
- Power supply and consumption: 110–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, on average about 5 W per transducer (Lamers System Care FAQ).
- Whether any transducer sits in a hazardous area.
- For the Biofouling Management Plan: the same data as an MGPS entry of type “ultrasound” under MEPC.378(80) — see how to document ultrasound as MGPS.
| Source | What they publish | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| UltraSonic Commercial — box coolers | All parts fitted on the dry side of the box cooler and sea chest compartment without modifications; “This avoids the need for any additional surveys and costs for classification documents.” | Vendor statement about their own installs, not a class ruling |
| WEKA Marine — coated alu/brass box coolers | Lists an ultrasonic system as “Additional equipment required” for coated aluminium/brass coolers; same “avoids additional surveys” wording | Cooler maker’s product page, not a class ruling |
| Lloyd’s Register type approval LR22119551TA-01 | Ultrasonic Tech GmbH (Hasytec) “Dynamic Biofilm Protection Intelligent (DBP, DBPi)” type-approved; issued 23/06/2026, expiry 10/05/2027 | Shows type approval is a voluntary product route some makers choose |
| Hansa — Hasytec FSRU approval | “Until now, ultrasonic antifouling could not be used on these ships because the ATEX certificate was missing.” | Hazardous-area certification can be the real requirement on gas carriers/FSRUs |
Frequently asked questions
Does the ship have to dry-dock for SMART FLOW on box coolers?
No. Lamers System Care installs SMART FLOW while the ship is in the water; lscare.eu notes that only hull-protection systems may need dry-docking to reach ballast tanks, if applicable.
Will the AFS surveyor judge whether SMART FLOW works?
No. MEPC.358(78) states that the surveys only verify compliance with the AFS Convention and do not relate to the performance of an anti-fouling system.
Does SMART FLOW have a class type approval?
Lamers System Care does not publish one. Ask at quotation stage if your class or charter party requires it, so it can be checked before you order.
Contact
Call +31 (0) 413 275 647 or email info@lscare.nl with your cooler type, sea-chest layout and flag. More at lscare.nl and lscare.eu.
