Optimarin Secures Large Ardmore Order
Ballast water treatment (BWT) specialist Optimarin said it has secured a contract to supply 36 systems to Ardmore Shipping, one of the manufacturer’s largest orders to date.
The Irish-headquartered shipowner will fit the three dozen units across 18 chemical and product tankers – two units in each vessel. Delivery is due to commence in February next year.
Ardmore’s fleet ranges in size from 25,000 to 50,000 dwt. The firm transports petroleum products and chemicals worldwide with its modern, fuel-efficient mid-size tankers.
The Optimarin Ballast Systems (OBS) units, the first systems in the market to achieve full USCG approval, will be fitted on a rolling basis across a selection of strategic partner shipyards with whom Ardmore has existing relationships.
“We have 10 vessels with alternative systems that were installed at newbuild shipyards and have encountered a series of operational problems,” said Gerry Docherty, Director, Fleet Management, Ardmore. “These issues, which we believe are commonplace within the industry, impact heavily on system reliability.
“As such we conducted a lengthy review of technology for the new installations and that led us to Optimarin. USCG compliance was key, as we are always ready to operate in U.S. waters, reliability was paramount and a strong, professional relationship was crucial. This is not a one off purchase, but a long-term partnership we’re entering into whereby we need to rely on our supplier’s expertise, technical understanding and ability to deliver on promises. Optimarin with its proven track record, technology and commitment to this segment was the clear choice.”
Ardmore’s decision follows on the heels of the announcement that USCG will be using OBS on its next generation Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC).
According to Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen it helps consolidate a remarkable month for the business: “To secure a contract of this nature, from an owner of Ardmore’s standing, so soon after the USCG decision is a dream come true,” he noted. “It clearly illustrates the momentum we are now building as forward-thinking shipowners move early to comply with IMO regulations and safeguard the environment.
Optimarin’s UV-based systems satisfy all IMO and USCG requirements, with certification from a comprehensive range of classification organizations, including ABS, BV, DNV-GL, LR & MLIT Japan.
Once completed, the Ardmore contract will take the number of Optimarin systems retrofitted beyond the 200 mark. The firm, which has been exclusively focused on BWT since its formation in 1994, has now sold more than 650 systems with more than 500 installed and operating.