Ballast water treatment (BWT) specialist Optimarin and Goltens, a leading provider of engineering and installation solutions for the shipping industry, have signed a non-exclusive worldwide agreement for retrofitting Optimarin’s ballast system (OBS).
The deal provides shipowners with a complete BWT package, offering them proven BWT technology, alongside first-class engineering and installation services across the globe.
Optimarin and Goltens have a lengthy and successful track record of collaboration. Since first working together in 2011, the duo have installed, or are in the process of installing, a total of 54 retrofitted BWT systems on a broad variety of vessels up to 60,000dwt. However, this is the first time they have signed a concrete understanding – a move that, according to Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen, provides customers with a new level of reassurance ahead of the ratification of the IMO’s BWM convention.
"With nations representing 32.54% of global tonnage having now ratified the treaty, the 35% target needed to enforce it is within touching distance," Andersen states.
"That will trigger a wave of demand for compliant BWT systems, and shipowners need to plan to ensure their vessels are catered for – on time, with systems and engineering solutions they can trust.
"This agreement with Goltens gives our customers complete peace of mind, while providing us with a global partner to meet the needs of large, diverse and geographically scattered fleets. It’s really a competitive edge."
Goltens provides a comprehensive menu of services for Optimarin clients, centred around a proven retrofit process that utilises precision 3D laser scanning and modelling as the basis for detailed design, prefabrication and streamlined system installation. Their global network of offices can also handle all class approval and after-sales servicing duties.
Andersen says it is a level of customised service and ‘hands-on’ expertise that minimises vessel downtime, while maximising technical results.
Goltens business development manager Jurrien Baretta agrees: "We’re here to cure any customer headaches related to BWT and Optimarin is a very important partner for us," she notes.
"We have developed an excellent technical understanding of Optimarin’s system through our extensive project experience with their product. Together, we can ensure that customers get solutions that are tailor made for individual vessel requirements, within the best possible time and cost parameters for their businesses."
"With the BWM ratification on the horizon, shipowners need partners and technology that won’t let them down. That’s the foundation of this understanding."
The agreement has already helped secure a contract to install multiple systems on container vessels belonging to a major Asian shipowner. The strong presence of Goltens in different parts of the world has helped to make this contract possible.
Optimarin’s system, which utilises filtration and high doses of UV irradiation to efficiently inactive marine organisms, is now installed in 210 vessels worldwide, with more than 110 units in the orderbook. The modular and easy to install solution is IMO and USCG approved (AMS), with certification through DNV GL, BV, RMRS and CCS.
For more information, please contact Goltens.