NAZAIRE, FRANCE — BIO-UV Group has supplied its chemical-free BIO-SEA ballast water treatment system to Orient Express, the first of a new series of luxury sailing yachts being built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique for Accor. The system, which uses UV-based technology to treat up to 135 m³/h of ballast water, was installed following successful factory acceptance trials of the BIO-SEA B01-0135 unit.
The Orient Express was floated out on June 16, 2025, and is set to become the world’s largest sailing yacht when it enters service next year. Measuring 220 meters (722 feet) in length with a gross tonnage of 26,200 GT, the vessel will be the first to feature the shipyard’s in-house SolidSail wind propulsion system, with three 100-meter masts supporting foldable rigid sails.
A sister ship, due in 2027, will also be fitted with a BIO-SEA B-type unit.
The system is designed to help prevent the spread of invasive marine species and meets both IMO and U.S. Coast Guard ballast water treatment standards. “Our compact, low-energy reactors are ideal for eco-conscious shipowners,” said Maxime Dedeurwaerder, Sales Director at BIO-UV Group. “The Accor yacht installation reflects our shared commitment to sustainability.”
BIO-UV Group’s B Series automatically adjusts UV dosage based on water quality and operates without chemicals, allowing safe deballasting in all environments. The system is eligible for BIO-UV’s “warranty for life” program when supported by an official service agreement and certified maintenance.
Chantiers de l’Atlantique has installed over 20 BIO-SEA systems on various vessels, citing their reliability and regulatory compliance as key advantages for the new Orient Express fleet.
