VARD Orders BWT Systems for Topaz Newbuilds
Optimarin Skid 334-FS 2 (Image: Optimarin)
VARD 9 21 Module Carrier Vessel for Topaz (Image: Optimarin)
Ballast water treatment (BWT) system Optimarin has picked up an order covering 15 vessels from VARD shipyards.
The vessels, VARD 9 21 Design specialist module carriers, will be constructed for ship owner Topaz at two shipyards in Romania - Vard Braila and Vard Tulcea – and one in Vietnam, Vard Vung Tau.
“VARD knows our systems well, having installed some 55 units on their newbuildings across the world since 2011,” said Optimarin CEO, Tore Andersen. “They choose us for our expertise and commitment to absolute compliance, as well as the fact that our technology is proven, reliable and simple to install and maintain. The fact that this contract is for a ship owner of the standing of Topaz makes it even sweeter.”
Optimarin will deliver its UV-based Optimarin Ballast Systems (OBS) to the yards between Q4 2016 and Q4 2017. The Topaz vessels, measuring 123m long and 16.5m wide, will boast the capacity to carry high deck loads of up to 1,800 tons.
A spokesperson from VARD says of the decision to choose Optimarin, “Optimarin has developed advanced, environmentally friendly technology that, thanks to its modular nature, is simple to install on specialist vessels where space is limited. They understand our requirements and we understand their system is leading the market, in performance, compliance and predictability. That’s what we want to give our customers and that’s why we return to Optimarin for key orders of this nature.”
With this latest contract win, Optimarin’s list of confirmed orders for 2016 is now approaching 100 units. Alongside VARD, other contracts of note have included a 46 vessel fleet agreement with Carisbrooke, a 10 unit order for Atlantis Tankers, a further 10 for the Royal Netherlands Navy, nine systems for Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group, three for Saga Shipholding (adding to an additional 26 systems already installed on its fleet) and two for Solvang ASA, amongst others.
Optimarin said its OBS is currently in its final stages of the USCG approval program and is fully IMO compliant. The technology is certified by classification organizations such as DNV GL, Lloyd’s, Bureau Veritas, MLIT Japan and American Bureau of Shipping.
