Increase in desalinator sales

The company said that this is largely down to its established global network which it says has been a major factor in selling its desalinators in markets as far away as Singapore, Dubai, China and the USA.

Since Cathelco acquired Seafresh in 2010, it has redesigned its range of “ton” desalinators which originally had the capacity to produce between 10 and 25 tonnes of freshwater per day. The output range has been extended to cater from 8 to 35 tonnes and this will soon be extended to 50.

Chris Bell, general manager, Cathelco Seafresh, said: “During the last year we have introduced a new medium duty range with 8 to 16 tonne daily capacities which have been built to a new space saving design.”

This has been achieved by optimising the components an layout so that the new models have a footprint that is 50% smaller than the original designs. One important factor is the use of a high pressure pump which is smaller and more closely matched to the output requirement.

In so far as orders are concerned, Cathelco has secured a new one from Teekay Offshore Partners which is in the process of converting the Navion Clipper, a former shuttle tanker, into an FSO for Salamander Energy. It will have two ton desalinator units each allowing it to produce up to 35 tonnes of freshwater per day.

Also, China’s Guangxin Shipbuilding will be installing new units on two 78m platform supply vessels which are currently under construction. This order follows on from the supply of H2012 desalinators for 14 vessels in 2013.