Optimarin wins “potentially huge” BWTS agreement

Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen: "This is a huge development for us"

MARCH 15, 2015 —Norwegian ballast water treatment system (BWTS) specialist Optimarin says it has secured a contract with the potential to be its biggest ever.

A fleet agreement signed with U.K. shipowner and management company Carisbrooke has the potential to cover Optimarin Ballast System (OBS) retrofits on the firm’s entire fleet of 46 bulk and multipurpose vessels.

“This is a huge development for us,” comments Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen, “agreed with an established and respected shipowner, operator and manager. Our retrofit expertise was absolutely key here, as was the reliability, flexibility and market proven success of our UV-based technology.

“We’ve been 100% focused on ballast water treatment since our formation in 1994 and, with the ratification of the IMO’s Ballast Water Convention now imminent, forward-thinking shipowners who appreciate this unparalleled expertise are signing up for fleet agreements. Carisbrooke were quick to see the advantages of doing so, and we’re delighted to add a name of their caliber to our growing client list.”

Optimarin says that USCG approval for its system is on schedule for later this year and played a decisive part in securing the deal, with a number of Carisbrooke vessels trading in U.S. waters.

Isle of Wight-headquartered Carisbrooke is now assessing its fleet with the prospect of starting installations in 2017. The contracted vessels range in size from 5,000 to 20,000 dwt.

Martin Henry, Fleet Technical Director, Carisbrooke says there were multiple factors at play in its choice of Optimarin as its preferred supplier.
“USCG compliance is critical for our trading routes, as is the operational and supply chain reliability of the technology itself,” he says. “However, people are also key. Optimarin are clever, experienced and have focused exclusively on this sector for many years. Their expertise, and the modular nature of the system, will be essential when it comes to retrofitting vessels with small engine rooms and very limited available space.”

Mr. Henry concludes: “We believe this to be an excellent UV system, at a very competitive price, from a supplier with a genuine maritime heritage and understanding. This gives us complete peace of mind for future regulatory compliance, technical dependability and, importantly for Carisbrooke, environmentally responsible operations.”