USCG approval drives order surge
The system has certificates from DNV GL, Lloyd’s, Bureau Veritas, MLIT Japan, and American Bureau of Shipping, alongside full IMO approval. However, it’s the latest testing with USCG that appears to be elevating the business to a new commercial plane.
Mr Anderson added: “USCG approval is becoming a benchmark standard for forward-thinking customers planning for guaranteed future regulatory compliance. This is proving to be a key business driver for Optimarin.”
The system has now satisfied all marine water tests and is in its final testing stage, with full USCG approval expected later this year. For shipowners with large global fleets, this will give them the flexibility to sail in and out of US waters, discharging ballast, as desired.
Orders have been strong for Optimarin so far this year. Optimarin Ballast System (OBS) orders have been confirmed with Atlantis Tankers (10 units) and Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group (nine), while the firm also made its first foray into fishing, with a contract for the Fisherman’s Finest vessel America’s Finest.
The latest win, with Carisbrooke from the UK, was the largest. It’s a fleet agreement with the potential to encompass retrofits on 46 bulk and multipurpose vessels.
Mr Anderson pointed out that now that the ratification of the IMO’s Ballast Water Management convention is finally imminent, the firm is seeing more and more shipowners wanting fleet wide retrofits.
