Houtan Houshangi News

The Norwegian firm OceanSaver, a provider of ballast water treatment (BWT) systems for medium and large vessels, has just marked its 10th birthday with the news that 2013 will be its best ever year for sales. CEO Houtan Houshangi has revealed that the company has secured over 50 orders for its modular Mark II system in 2013, spanning a diverse array of shipping segments. This pushes the number of systems on OceanSaver’s order book above the 100 threshold, with 30 units already installed. OceanSaver’s system, which was recently awarded U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) AMS approval, has found favor with owners and operators in key segments such as gas carriers, bulk vessels and VLCCs, to name a few. Recent contracts include system orders for LNG and LPG carriers.

OceanSaver has achieved a certification double, with the news that its Mark II Ballast Water Treatment (BWT) system has achieved U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approval, while the company itself has achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification. Based in Drammen, Norway, OceanSaver provides efficient and reliable BWT systems for medium and large vessels, such as VLCCs, LNG Carriers and a variety of tankers and bulk carriers, amongst others. The USCG’s  Alternate Management System (AMS) approval means that vessels fitted with OceanSaver systems - combining effective and reliable filtration with high-performance electrodialytic disinfectant treatment – are free to discharge ballast water in U.S. ports. Newbuilds constructed after December 2013 must have USCG compliant systems to perform this task.

Ballast water treatment (BWT) system specialist OceanSaver has taken the strategic decision to establish a base in the world’s number one shipbuilding centre, South Korea. The Norwegian company has expanded rapidly since opening its doors in Drammen, near Oslo, in 2003, forging a strong reputation for its reliable, robust and technically advanced systems in the dynamic BWT market. Asia has recently emerged as a key growth driver for the company, with the team opening its first office on the continent in Shanghai, China, in 2011.

OceanSaver ballast water treatment (BWT) systems for two Suezmax lightering tankers to be delivered by a major Korean shipyard in mid-2014 for Chevron Shipping Company. “Competitive pricing, low operating costs, and a compatible technical system were key contract parameters; total cost of ownership (TCO) savings were a decisive factor in winning the contract,” said Tor Atle Eiken, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing, OceanSaver. “TCO was center stage. OceanSaver’s BWT system is a comprehensive cost model for the industry and when completing hundreds of lightering operations each year, TCO is a significant factor. We believe that OceanSaver balances purchase price and long term costs in a very efficient manner,” Eiken said.

OceanSaver’s ballast water treatment (BWT) system has been chosen for two 162,000cbm LNG carriers being built by BW Gas. OceanSaver was selected due to its competitive pricing, low operating costs, and compatible technical system. BW Gas is one of the largest independent owners and operators of LNG carriers and the largest owner and operator of LPG carriers. These sophisticated and highly regulated vessels require competent crews and high quality operations. They also require consistent standards of maintenance which BW Gas maintains regardless of short-term changes in the freight market. With these standards in mind, BW Gas conducted a thorough evaluation of the OceanSaver ballast water system (BWT) before confirmation.

OceanSaver today announced DNV Type Approval certification of its revolutionary next generation ballast water management technology, Mark II. “We have successfully passed all DNV Type Approval requirements guaranteeing that our newest BWT technology, Mark II fully meets the requirements of the International Ballast Water Convention and the Norwegian Administration,” said Houtan Houshangi, CEO of OceanSaver. OceanSaver’s Mark II ballast water treatment system is a tailored version of the already type approved Mark I model, but with the most ‘energy demanding’ features of the Mark I removed. The Mark II model introduces better performing filtration technology and reduces piping installations considerably, which saves both time and money during installation.

OceanSaver, a leading global provider of class-approved, high capacity ballast water treatment (BWT) systems, today appointed Houtan Houshangi as interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Houshangi replaces Stein Foss who successfully developed and commercialized OceanSaver BWT system technology since the company’s inception in 2003. Foss will still be associated with OceanSaver and will together with the interim CEO focus on ensuring a smooth transition of leadership and the search for and hiring of his replacement. “Foss has played a critical role in OceanSaver.