OPTIMARIN SHORTLISTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS ‘SAFER, CLEANER SEAS’ AWARD

Optimarin has been confirmed as the sole ballast water treatment (BWT) system supplier to be nominated for the Lloyd’s List North American Awards 2016. Recognised in the highly competitive ‘safer, cleaner seas’ category, the nomination tops the firm’s best ever start to a year, following up on a succession of system orders from names such as Carisbrooke, Atlantis Tankers and Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group.

Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen believes this is no coincidence.

“Our simple, flexible and market proven Optimarin Ballast System (OBS) technology is at the core of this recognition, but isn’t the sole reason for our recent success,” he states. “There’s many factors at work here, including our unparalleled expertise, having worked exclusively on BWT since our formation in 1994, and a retrofit track record that is second to none.”

“However, I think a key driver for these latest developments, particularly in regard to the North American market, where we’re prospering, is our total commitment to compliance.”

Optimarin is currently on the cusp of becoming the first UV BWT system supplier to achieve USCG approval. When completed, in the second half of 2016, this will mark the conclusion of a lengthy, multi-million dollar approval process, complementing the firm’s existing IMO approval and certification through DNV GL, Lloyd’s, Bureau Veritas, MLIT Japan, and American Bureau of Shipping.

“The BWT market is still in its infancy and we find that customers need complete peace of mind when it comes to choosing suppliers,” Andersen comments. “We have the knowledge, experience and technology, but we believe it is also key to ensure we have the compliance to give ship operators the flexibility they require.

“At present, USCG is leading the way with the most stringent system demands. By meeting those we can ensure our customers effectively have a ‘licence to operate’ not only there, but anywhere in the world – now and far into the future. Added to our other advantages, that makes for a compelling proposition.”

Optimarin was chosen for the shortlist by an expert judging panel. The Norwegian firm now lines up against competing nominees including Alaska Prevention & Response Network, Georgia Ports Authority, NorthWest Clean Air Company and DNV GL. The award winners will be announced at a gala evening on 19 May in New York.

With the recent contract announcements, Optimarin has now sold over 400 of its environmentally friendly systems, which use a combination of filtering and high-dose UV irradiation to instantly destroy the potentially harmful invasive organisms in ballast water. Over 270 systems have been installed worldwide, including more than 70 retrofits.

Customers that have selected the OBS include names of the order of Saga Shipholding, MOL, Grieg Shipping Group, Gulf Offshore, Farstad Shipping, NYK, Nor Line, and Evergreen Marine Corp, amongst others.