Goltens launches BWT centre in Rotterdam

Goltens Rotterdam will spearhead the Group’s BWT activities, including training and the formation of a specialist BWT installation team. The Rotterdam facility will carry out design and planning of BWT retrofit projects together with the vessel owner and equipment supplier for installation anywhere in the world.

Estimated cumulative investments made into ballast water treatment systems are expected to reach $30 billion within the next ten years. Some 60,000 seagoing vessels must be fitted with type-approved BWT systems during 2009-2020, driving massive demand for system orders.

A major slice of BWT business is the retrofit market. Fitting existing ships with new BWT technology and systems can be quite demanding due to crowded engine rooms and existing vessel configuration, i.e., pipes and electrical systems.

The scale of potential opportunities from sales of BWT systems has attracted some 50 vendors with treatment solutions and about 120 component suppliers. The vast majority of shipping companies have yet to purchase fleet wide BWT systems and, as deadlines approach and orders start ticking in, many will not be able to get their BWT systems installed in time.

The evaluation of ballast water management alternatives and organization of in-situ installation requires a broad range of technical considerations, understanding and resources. Goltens see a significant acceleration of BWT system purchases for the retrofit and newbuild markets in 2011-2012 and aims to be the premium independent installation and service source for the total industry.