Optimarin wins order for up to 50 vessels

This is the biggest single deal signed by Optimarin for its USCG type-approved Optimarin Ballast System (OBS) and will see the BWTS installed across a range of advanced PSV, subsea and AHTS vessels.

Norwegian offshore support vessel operator DOF will take delivery of three systems this year, with the remainder following in 2021 and 2022. The flexibility of Optimarin’s modular system allows for easy retrofitting, giving DOF the opportunity to install some systems under scheduled sailings with the crew undertaking all fitting, while Optimarin handles commissioning. Remaining units will be installed during planned drydockings and IOPP certificate renewals.

Speaking about the agreement, DOF’s chief procurement officer Lars Njåstad notes that DOF’s team went through “a very thorough” evaluation and tendering process before reaching their decision.

He explained “It was crucial to get a proven, trusted and globally compliant system that would provide optimal long-term value for DOF and its stakeholders. Technology that was simple to retrofit, given the commitments and limited space on these state-of-the-art vessels, was also a determining factor. OBS ticked these boxes.”

Mr Njåstad added that “chemistry and commitment” were also key, commenting “ Although it is early days, we feel this is a relationship that will provide the exceptional service, expertise and standards we are looking for. Throughout our conversations it became apparent Optimarin would be a partner willing ‘to walk the extra mile’ to ensure customer satisfaction. That hunger to deliver, added to the quality of their technology, made for a compelling proposition.”

The contract comes on the back of Optimarin’s best ever annual results, with 2019 sales and revenues roughly double that of 2018, while the number of units now sold approaches 1,000 (with over 650 installed and operational). Optimarin’s executive vice president of sales and marketing, Tore Andersen said the DOF agreement is indicative of accelerating sales and opportunity within the niche BWTS segment.

“DOF is a world-class shipowner and operator, which, like Optimarin, has forged a reputation for itself through dedicated, high-quality service within a core specialism. We are delighted to sign a contract of this scale, with a name that commands so much respect throughout the industry.”

Mr Andersen noted that Optimarin has been exclusively focused on ballast water treatment since 1994, installing the world’s first commercial treatment unit in 2000, and becoming the first supplier to achieve full USCG compliance in 2016. Optimarin’s OBS has also been adapted to a containerised system.

Current Optimarin customers include Royal Caribbean International, Fednav, GulfMark, Carisbrooke Shipping, Hapag Lloyd, Matson Navigation, McDermott, the Danish Navy, MOL, Seatruck, Technip, and the Royal Netherlands Navy, among others.

OBS has certification from classification organisations including ABS, BV, DNV-GL, LR & MLIT Japan.

Ballast water treatment does not stop with compliance. Industry’s stakeholders discuss the issues in the Ballast Water Treatment Beyond Compliance webinar, which is now available to view.