Atlantis Tankers orders ten Optimarin systems

The Norwegian ballast water treatment (BWT) specialists will now provide its solution to two newbuilds and eight existing vessels in the Turkish controlled fleet.

“EX approval was essential for Atlantis Tankers and Armona Denizcilik, as was our wider compliance and proven market experience,” said Tore Andersen, CEO of Optimarin.

He said: “This is a contract that encompasses both newbuilds and retrofits, so it was important to be able to demonstrate our ability in both.”

Optimarin recently became the first UV system supplier to pass the USCG’s marine water tests with full USCG approval expected by spring this year.

The technology also has full EX approval, satisfying all Zone 1 ATEX requirements for operation in hazardous areas.

This was key to the Atlantis group as it transports a variety of cargo, including organic and non-organic chemicals, clean and dirty petroleum products, vegetable and lube oils.

Mr Andersen added: “Together with our engineering partners, Goltens worldwide and Zeppelin in Northern Europe/former CIS territories, we can ensure a global footprint and fast and efficient installation.”

“With the ratification of the IMO’s Ballast Water Management Convention on the horizon, this is essential for professional shipowners and operators like Atlantis Tankers Group.”

The systems are now scheduled for installation in the newbuilds Atlantis Augusta and Atlantis Alicante in 2016, with the eight-system batch set for delivery in 2019.

Installation on the existing fleet will take place during special survey dry docking over 2019/2020. The tankers range from 3,446 to 6,416 dwt and are all designed for the transport of IMO II classified chemical cargoes.

Lorenz Weinstabl, Atlantis Tankers Group chairman said: “Quite simply, we offer customers reliability, flexibility and the very highest service standards – we wanted a BWT supplier that could provide those same values.”

He concluded: “Optimarin’s track record in the industry is second to none. The technology is established, their expertise is unique and, with their engineering partners, their ability to quickly install and commission solutions worldwide is proven.”

“What’s more the upcoming USCG approval delivers the peace of mind we need and the flexibility of operation our customers demand.”