Press Release: Ballast water treatment (BWT) specialist Optimarin has signed a fleet agreement with DOF for the installation of 16 Optimarin Ballast Systems (OBS), with an option to extend the contract to 50 vessels in total. The deal, Optimarin’s biggest single agreement in the offshore segment, will see the USCG approved OBS installed across a range of advanced PSV, Subsea and AHTS vessels.
DOF, a leading integrated offshore company with global operations, 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 dry dockings and IOPP certificate renewals.
Proven, trusted, compliant
Speaking about the agreement, Lars Njåstad, Chief Procurement Officer, DOF ASA, notes that DOF’s team went through “a very thorough” evaluation and tendering process before reaching their decision.
He explains: “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.”
Njåstad adds that “chemistry and commitment” were also key, commenting: “ Although it’s 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 that 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.”
Increasing opportunity
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 1000 (with over 650 installed and operational). Tore Andersen, EVP Sales and Marketing, Optimarin, says the DOF agreement is indicative of accelerating sales and opportunity within the niche BWT segment.
“DOF is a world class ship owner and operator, which, like Optimarin, has forged a reputation for itself through dedicated, high quality service within a core specialism. We’re delighted to sign a contract of this scale, with a name that commands so much respect throughout the industry.”
He continues: “As the need for final regulatory compliance grows we’re seeing an increased interest in fleet agreements of this nature, with forward-thinking owners looking to guarantee global flexibility and secure trusted systems ahead of the ‘retrofit wave’. Our established expertise and simple, reliable and market proven technology is an obvious attraction, as is our commitment to first class after sales and service. We’re dedicated to doing all we can to ensure DOF, and all our customers, get everything they need for long-term BWT compliance, performance and complete peace of mind.”
Leading the world in BWT
Optimarin has been exclusively focused on BWT since 1994, installing the world’s first commercial treatment unit in 2000, and becoming the first supplier to achieve full USCG compliance in 2016. The Stavanger, Norway headquartered business is focused on continual technology improvement to consolidate its industry leading position and ensure full global compliance and fleet flexibility for its growing customer base.
Current Optimarin customers include names such as Royal Caribbean International, Fednav, GulfMark, Carisbrooke Shipping, Hapag Lloyd, Matson Navigation, McDermott, the Danish Navy, MOL, Seatruck, Technip, and the Royal Netherlands Navy, amongst others. OBS has certification from a comprehensive range of classification organizations, including ABS, BV, DNV-GL, LR & MLIT Japan.
