Optimarin ballast system chosen by Royal Caribbean for trio of ships

Royal Caribbean International has chosen Optimarin to provide its USCG-compliant Optimarin Ballast System (OBS) for three flagship vessels.

The Norwegian-based ballast water treatment (BWT) specialist has now retrofitted its technology on Independence of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas, with installation on Grandeur of the Seas set for Q1 2019. 

“An agreement of this nature with a world-renowned operator is very special,” commented Optimarin chief executive Tore Andersen.

“The fact Optimarin has been selected provides not only an endorsement of our simple, reliable and market proven UV-based technology, but also demonstrates that world leaders turn to us when it comes to ensuring total global compliance. We have always been a regulatory frontrunner, since our very foundation in 1994, and were the first manufacturer to achieve full USCG approval in December 2016.

“That means we don’t simply provide systems, we provide peace of mind. For a ‘heavyweight’ cruise champion like Royal Caribbean that is priceless – allowing optimal fleet flexibility, no matter where their business takes them.”

Optimarin’s systems are modular in construction, allowing them to be retrofitted in almost any vessel, regardless of space restrictions – a crucial factor for these feature packed ships.

“We focus on exceeding expectations and optimising performance, that applies as much for industry and regulatory standards as it does for passenger experience,” commented Royal Caribbean superintendent, technical systems, global marine operations Jorge E Coronado. “With a fleet that sails throughout the world – from the Caribbean to Alaska, South America to Australia – it is imperative that we have the best systems to ensure complete compliance. Optimarin delivers this, allowing us to focus on delivering holidays of a lifetime.”

Optimarin installed the world’s first commercial treatment on board Regal Princess in 2000. Since then it has gone on to win contracts from customers such as Hapag Lloyd.

Optimarin has now sold approximately 700 OBS units, with more than 500 installed and operational, of which approximately 250 are retrofits.