NOCC Opts for Optimarin BWT System for Its Newbuild

 

Ballast water treatment (BWT) specialist Optimarin has been chosen by Norwegian Car Carriers AS (NOCC) as the supplier of choice for its two newbuild vessels currently under construction at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in South Korea. Optimarin will provide 667m³/h capacity systems for the state-of-the-art 6500 car capacity Pure Car Truck Carrier (PCTC) sister ships, which are scheduled for delivery in late 2016 and early 2017.

Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen says his firm’s established track record, in what is still a young industry, played a key role in securing this latest contract.

“We’ve been exclusively focused on producing simple, reliable and flexible BWT solutions since our formation in 1994,” Andersen comments. “We’re now in a position where we’ve sold over 350 of our Optimarin Ballast Systems (OBS) worldwide and installed over 270.

“NOCC was drawn to this expertise, as it was to the fact that our systems have a small footprint – with their modular nature making them simple to install – and a proven track record of operational success from vessels around the world. With the ratification of the IMO’s Ballast Water Management (BWM) convention expected imminently, shipowners, and the yards that provide them with high quality service, need that peace of mind.”

NOCC’s high specification PCTC’s will be amongst the most advanced vessels in their segment, with heavy capacity ramps (150 tons) and flexible cargo solutions whereby four of their 12 decks will be hoistable, enabling them to carry a wide range of high and heavy items. In addition, some decks will feature special safety zones, allowing the DNV GL classed ships to transport vehicles with new energy solutions, such as pressurized hydrogen and natural gas in their tanks.

“These company and industry flagships will lead the way in their segment, so its appropriate they have the best solutions onboard, and that includes for BWT,” Andersen stresses. “Our technology is simple, with few moving parts, but hugely effective, utilising a combination of back-flushing filters and UV irradiation to destroy the harmful organisms that can stow away in ballast.

“It’s the market leading solution for ships up to 60,000 dwt and we’re delighted that NOCC is cementing that position with these two new orders.”

The news caps a strong month for the Stavanger, Norway based firm, which just last week confirmed a retrofit order for 11 systems for an unnamed Asian shipowner in the container segment.

“Our technology is equally as suited to the needs of yards and newbuilds as it is to the challenges of retrofitting into existing vessels,” concludes Andersen. “This flexibility positions us well to meet the needs of an industry that now needs to confront the threat posed by untreated ballast head on. We look forward to helping it do that in a safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly manner.”

Optimarin’s OBS solution is IMO approved, has USCG AMS acceptance and is currently undergoing a full programme of USCG approval testing. The system is certified through DNV GL, BV, RMRS and CCS.