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Quick & cost-effective

Results delivered in less than 10 minutes, minimising vessel downtime and impact on port operations

Compliance made simple

Compact, portable instrument designed to be operated by a single person with no requirement for reagents

Size-Independent Results

New algorithms and sensitive detection deliver accurate counts at the regulatory threshold, independent of cell size

Introducing the new FastBallast from Chelsea Technologies

FastBallast Features

IMO Compliant:

Engineered to meet IMO requirements.

Reliable & Accurate:

Advanced, size-independent analysis ensures consistent results.

Fastest Results in Class:

Delivers accurate results in under 10 minutes, including setup time – the fastest on the market.

One-Person Operation:

No reagents required. Intuitive design enables use by a single operator with minimal training.

Portable Design:

45% reduction in device volume. Comes with a custom backpack for easy transport and field use.

Intuitive User Interface:

One button operation with simple PASS / FAIL output.

Uninterrupted Monitoring:

Up to 6.5 hours of continuous use on a single charge.

“At GSA, we partnered with Chelsea Technologies for their industry-leading innovation and cutting-edge technology. FastBallast, their ballast water sampling device, demonstrated exceptional efficiency and reliability, perfectly aligning with our commitment to operational excellence. Since 2017, FastBallast has supported our operations by delivering accurate, near-instantaneous data without substantial issues. This partnership has allowed us to maintain our rigorous schedules, ensuring smooth and efficient operations while reinforcing our competitive edge in the market.”

– Adnan Bahamdein (Chief Executive Officer at GSA)

Proven in the field

With over 60 years of experience in the development and manufacture of sensing technologies, Chelsea Technologies has a long-standing reputation for innovation and reliability. In 2013, we were awarded a contract by the U.S. Coast Guard to develop a ballast water compliance monitoring device — and FastBallast was born, built on our unique active fluorescence technology.

Just over a decade later, FastBallast is trusted worldwide. It’s been used in over 11,000 field tests by operators who rely on its speed, accuracy, and simplicity to stay compliant and keep port operations running smoothly.

Talk to our experts to learn how FastBallast can support your compliance goals — without slowing you down.

How does FastBallast compare with other CMDs?

Other CMDs that use active fluorescence estimate living cell concentration by assuming a fixed value for  the variable fluorescence per cell (Fv/cell) — but this can vary by over 2 orders of magnitude depending on cell size across the 10–50 µm D2 range, leading to large errors.

FastBallast solves this with a patented multi-step process:

  • Level 1 – Rapid Screening (3 minutes):
    Uses an estimated Fv/cell to identify samples that have clearly passed. If this is the case, testing ends here.
  • Level 2 – Accurate Cell Count (less than 10 minutes):
    If the Level 1 test is ambiguous, a Level 2 test is automatically conducted. This calculates actual cell concentration based on the distribution of Fv and then infers average cell size from Fv magnitude. This improves accuracy where borderline results occur.
  • Level 3 – Size Check:
    Ensures a few large cells aren’t hiding many smaller ones. This avoids the need for filters or retesting — saving time and hassle.

Get in touch with our experts to find out more about the unique advantages of using FastBallast for compliance testing.

Resources

FastBallast Launch PR

FastBallast Datasheet

FastBallast Case Study

FastBallast System Handbook

FastBallast Quick Start Guide

FastBallast Specifications

Sensitivity

<1 cell/mL @ 10µm apparent cell diameter (ACD)

Dynamic range

0 – >1,000 cells/mL

Time to result

<2 minutes for Level 1 (clear pass or fail)
<10 minutes for Level 2

Sample volume

20 ml

Interrogated volume

1 mL

Service interval

2 year

Dimensions

273 x 246 x 122 mm

Weight

4.5 kg

IP Rating with Lid Closed

IP67

User interface

Tablet with FastBallast software installed

Power

Internal rechargeable battery pack provides 6.5h continuous operations

Instrument to tablet connection

Bluetooth or USB