15 March 2016, Norway: Optimarin has secured a contract with the potential to be the ballast water treatment (BWT) specialist’s biggest ever. The Norwegian business has signed a fleet agreement with UK shipowner and management company Carisbrooke for its market leading Optimarin Ballast System (OBS). The deal has the potential to encompass OBS retrofits on the firm’s entire fleet of 46 bulk and multipurpose vessels.

“This is 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 calibre to our growing client list.”

Optimarin’s upcoming USCG approval, on schedule for later this year, played a decisive part in securing the deal, with a number of Carisbrooke vessels trading in US waters. This certification, in conjunction with the IMO ratification, is proving to be an important factor in accelerating OBS sales, with recent orders confirmed with Atlantis Tankers (ten units) and Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group (nine).

“It’s a good time for the business,” Andersen confirms. “2016 has gotten off to a great start and, with further discussions on-going, we’re sure they’ll be further significant orders to announce in the coming months.”

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

Speaking of the decision to work with Optimarin as a preferred supplier, Martin Henry, Fleet Technical Director, Carisbrooke, comments: “There were multiple factors at play. USCG compliance is critical for our trading routes, as is the operational and supply chain reliability of the technology itself. 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.”

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.”

Carisbrooke vessels operate globally, trading in cargoes that include cement, coal, fertiliser and grain, alongside special project loads, such as wind turbine components and construction materials. Alongside its main office in Cowes, Isle of Wight, the business also has bases in Zwijndrecht, Holland and Bremen, Germany.

Other shipowners that have chosen OBS include Saga Shipholding, MOL, Grieg Shipping Group, Fisherman’s Finest, Gulf Offshore, Farstad Shipping, NYK, Nor Line, and Evergreen Marine Corp, amongst others. The system is fully approved by IMO and certified through DNV GL, Lloyd’s, Bureau Veritas, MLIT Japan, and American Bureau of Shipping.