Optimarin obtains 24-hour USCG holding time

The certification ensures the systems are optimized for short sea shipping routes in the US, as the time between ballast water treatment (BWT) and de-ballasting is cut dramatically.

“Our system was the first to gain full USCG approval and now it boasts the current minimum required holding time for UV-based solutions. This will have a major impact for shipowners trading between domestic ports in the US,” commented Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen.

Systems with three day holding times are required to wait for that duration before discharging treated water at port – meaning vessels may have to anchor and interrupt operations if conducting short voyages. The efficacy of the 50-3,000m3/h OBS, however, ensures short turnarounds and optimal efficiency for shipowners trading in North American waters.

Optimarin has installed around 500 OBS systems, of which approximately 250 are retrofits. The BWT specialist’s orderbook is currently five times the size it was at this point in 2018, with revenues expected to double year-on-year. More than 700 of its systems have now been sold.

Alongside its full IMO and USCG compliance, Optimarin has certification from a comprehensive range of classification organizations, including ABS, BV, DNV-GL, LR and MLIT Japan. Current customers include Royal Caribbean International, Fednav, GulfMark, Hapag Lloyd, Matson Navigation, McDermott, the Danish Navy, MOL, Seatruck, Technip, and the Royal Netherlands Navy, amongst others.