PRESS RELEASE: Ballast water treatment (BWT) specialist Optimarin has consolidated its relationship with Höegh Autoliners by securing a new agreement for 10 retrofitted systems. The contract follows previous individual orders over the past two years, with the USCG approved, UV-based technology now set to be on-board 15 ships within the firm’s advanced RoRo fleet.
“This is arguably the kind of contract we value most,” comments Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen. “The fact that Hoëgh Autoliners is an established global leader in its segment is one thing, but the really satisfying aspect is that they’re reordering more of our units because they know they work – day in, day out, delivering optimal, globally compliant operations for their vessels.
“In a segment that is still somewhat defined by teething troubles with technology – a survey by ABS in 2017 revealed that almost half of installed systems weren’t operating properly – our simple, easy to install and maintain technology is the market proven choice. This order is living proof of the faith industry leaders have in our systems and that’s immensely gratifying.
“We believe it’s the effect of trying our technology – once you have there’s no going back.”
The order follows less than a month after the Norwegian-headquartered supplier signed one of its biggest contracts to date, for the delivery of 36 systems to Ardmore Shipping. Optimarin has now sold well over 650 systems, with more than 500 installed and operational. Of these, over 200 have been retrofits delivered in collaboration with global engineering partners Goltens and Zeppelin.
Höegh Autoliners will receive the first of its ten units this month, with a delivery schedule that rolls out installations through to 2023. All of the Optimarin Ballast Systems (OBS) will boast 500m3 capacities.
“We know Optimarin systems and their ability to perform,” comments Jan Rune Mørken, Head of Projects and Newbuilding, Höegh Autoliners. “Höegh Autoliners is a responsible shipowner with a commitment to deliver high quality service for our customers around the world. It’s therefore essential we team up with suppliers that share our vision and dedication, allowing us to sail safely, compliantly and with the minimal of environmental impact on all our routes.
“We look forward to working closely with our suppliers to further develop and optimize the system for our vessels to come.”
OBS was the first system in the world to receive full USCG approval and was recently selected for the coastguard’s newbuild Offshore Patrol Cutter programme. Optimarin, which has been exclusively focused on BWT since its formation in 1994, installed the world’s first commercial treatment system in 2000 onboard cruise ship Princess Regal.
OBS satisfies all IMO and USCG requirements, with certification from a comprehensive range of classification organizations, including ABS, BV, DNV-GL, LR & MLIT Japan. Current customers include GulfMark, Hapag Lloyd, Matson Navigation, McDermott, MOL, Saga Shipholding, Seatruck, Technip & The Royal Netherlands Navy.
