Optimarin has signed a fleet agreement with UK shipowner and management company Carisbrooke for its market leading Optimarin Ballast System (OBS). The deal has the potential to encompass OBS retrofits on the firm’s entire fleet of 46 bulk and multipurpose vessels.
“This is huge development for us,” comments Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen, “agreed with an established and respected shipowner, operator and manager. Our retrofit expertise was absolutely key here, as was the reliability, flexibility and market proven success of our UV-based technology.
“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. Carisbrooke were quick to see the advantages of doing so, and we’re delighted to add a name of their calibre to our growing client list.”
Optimarin’s upcoming USCG approval, on schedule for later this year, played a decisive part in securing the deal, with a number of Carisbrooke vessels trading in US waters. This certification, in conjunction with the IMO ratification, is proving to be an important factor in accelerating OBS sales, with recent orders confirmed with Atlantis Tankers (ten units) and Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group (nine).
“It’s a good time for the business,” Andersen confirms. “2016 has gotten off to a great start and, with further discussions on-going, we’re sure they’ll be further significant orders to announce in the coming months.”
As for Isle of Wight-headquartered Carisbrooke, the firm is now assessing its fleet with the prospect of commencing installations in 2017. The contracted vessels range in size from 5,000 to 20,000 dwt.
Source & Image Credit: www.carisbrooke.co
