OptiMarin signs agreement with Allweiler

OptiMarin and Allweiler of Norway confirm having six to 10 major offshore support vessel BWT contracts projects underway, representing a huge potential in BWT and pump equipment and materials, installation and engineering services. The two companies estimate the market to peak at NOK 400 million per year for the next four years in the Norwegian offshore shipping market involving some 500 supply vessels that must be retrofitted with BWT systems by 2014.

According to both companies, the agreement has come about as a direct consequence of an increasing demand by shipowners and shipyards for tailor-made package solutions, configuring engine room and cargo pumps with BWT systems. Under the terms of this agreement, Allweiler will distribute OptiMarin’s BWT system, OptiMarin Ballast System (OBS) in Norway, to Norwegian owners operating globally and selected international clients. OptiMarin will partner with Allweiler on a contract-to-contract basis as determined by the two companies.

“It is our impression that few owners are aware of the fact that BWT systems have been mandatory as of 1 January, 2009 for all vessels constructed (i.e. keel laid) and which have a ballast capacity of less than 5,000m³,” says Kaare Johansen, CEO, Allweiler. “Our partnership with OptiMarin provides Allweiler the opportunity to offer our customers access to the best BWT system available in the market, thus generating a real improvement of our overall proposition,” he says.

The OptiMarin Ballast System can be installed in existing or new ships and can handle flows up to 3,000 m³/h. The system is suited to a range of vessels from offshore AHTS and PSV to small handy size carriers, Handymax, Panamax, Capesize and cruise vessels.