Irish company Ardmore Shipping informed that it has encountered a series of operational problems on the ballast water treatment systems (BWTS) that were installed on ten vessels in newbuild shipyards.
We have ten vessels with alternative systems that were installed at newbuild shipyards and have encountered a series of operational problems. These issues, which we believe are commonplace within the industry, impact heavily on system reliability,
… said Gerry Docherty, Director, Fleet Management, Ardmore.
Now the company has ordered the Norwegian BWT manufacturer Optimarin to replace these with 36 systems across 18 of its advanced chemical and product tankers, with delivery due to commence in February next year. Ardmore will fit two Ex approved units in each vessel. This has been one of Optimarin’s biggest orders to date.
Two years ago, the Norwegian BWT supplier became one of the first companies to obtain a a Ballast Water Management System type approval certificate by the US Coast Guard Marine Safety Center. However the systems also satisfy IMO requirements.
Ardmore’s decision follows on the heels of the announcement that USCG will be using Optimarin Ballast Systems (OBS) on its next generation Offshore Patrol Cutters.
…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 US waters, reliability was paramount and a strong, professional relationship was crucial,
…added Mr. Docherty.
