Analysis of Increased Oil Content in Wastewater from the Oily Water Separator (OWS) Process on the MV. Meratus Project Tangguh

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the causes of increased oil content in the effluent discharged from the Oily Water Separator (OWS) process, determine the resulting impacts, and formulate effective preventive and corrective measures. The research was conducted onboard MV. MERATUS PROJECT TANGGUH using a descriptive qualitative method, with data gathered through observation, interviews, and documentation from the daily logbook. The results indicate that the oil content in the discharged water exceeded the standard limit of 15 ppm on several occasions, reaching a peak value of 20 ppm. This increase was driven by technical factors, such as coalescer filter clogging and Oil Content Meter (OCM) inaccuracies; operational factors, including non-compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); and maintenance factors, specifically the lack of routine servicing. The resulting impacts include marine environmental pollution, violations of MARPOL Annex I regulations, and a decline in OWS system performance as well as ship operational efficiency. Preventive measures that can be implemented include regular cleaning and component replacement, disciplined adherence to SOPs, and the execution of scheduled preventive maintenance. Based on the findings, it is concluded that the rise in oil content within the OWS system is a result of interacting multifaceted factors; therefore, mitigation must be addressed comprehensively through technical, operational, and maintenance approaches.