Carisbrooke Opts for Optimarin’s BWT for Its Fleet
Image Courtesy: OptimarinNorway-based ballast water treatment (BWT) company Optimarin has inked a fleet agreement with UK shipowner and management company Carisbrooke for its Optimarin Ballast System (OBS). Under the contract, OBS retrofits could be installed on Carisbrooke’s entire fleet of 46 bulk and multipurpose vessels.
According to Carisbrooke, the decisive part in securing the deal played Optimarin’s upcoming US Coast Guard approval, with numerous Carisbrooke vessels trading in US waters.
In November 2015, Optimarin became the first UV system supplier to meet the most stringent USCG marine water requirements, positioning the Norwegian company for full USCG approval in 2016.
The OBS system is also fully approved by IMO and certified through DNV GL, Lloyd’s, Bureau Veritas, MLIT Japan, and American Bureau of Shipping.
“We’ve been 100% focused on ballast water treatment since our formation in 1994 and, with the ratification of the IMO’s Ballast Water Convention now imminent, forward-thinking shipowners who appreciate this unparalleled expertise are signing up for fleet agreements,” says Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen.
Martin Henry, Carisbrooke’s Fleet Technical Director adds: “We believe this to be an excellent UV system, at a very competitive price, from a supplier with a genuine maritime heritage and understanding. This gives us complete peace of mind for future regulatory compliance, technical dependability and, importantly for Carisbrooke, environmentally responsible operations.”
Carisbrooke is now assessing its fleet with the prospect of commencing installations in 2017. The size of the contracted vessels ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 dwt. Carisbrooke vessels trade in cargo including cement, coal, fertiliser and grain as well as special project loads such as wind turbine components and construction materials.
