Optimarin ,Goltens Ink BWT Retrofit Agreement

Ballast Water Treatment (BWT) specialist Optimarin and Goltens, a provider of engineering and installation solutions for the shipping industry, have signed a nonexclusive worldwide agreement for retrofitting Optimarin’s Ballast System (OBS). The deal provides shipowners with a complete BWT package, offering them BWT technology alongside engineering and installation services across the globe.

Optimarin and Goltens have a lengthy track record of collaboration. Since first working together in 2011, the duo has installed, or are in the process of installing, a total of 54 retrofitted BWT systems on a broad variety of vessels up to 60,000 dwt. However, this is the first time the companies 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 said. “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.

Goltens provides a menu of services for Optimarin clients, centered on a retrofit process that utilizes precision 3D laser scanning and modeling as the basis for detailed design, prefabrication and streamlined system installation. Its global network of offices also handle class approval and after-sales servicing duties.

Andersen said it is a level of customized service and hands-on expertise that minimizes vessel downtime, while maximizing technical results.

Jurrien Baretta, Business Development Manager at Goltens, agreed, “We’re here to cure any customer headaches related to BWT and Optimarin is a very important partner for us,” she noted. “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,” Baretta continued.

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 utilizes 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.