Optimarin has consolidated its position within the EX approved ballast water treatment (BWT) segment with a 10 vessel contract from Atlantis Tankers Group and its management arm Armona Denizcilik. The Norwegian BWT specialist will now provide its market proven solution to two newbuildings and the eight existing vessels in the Turkish controlled fleet.

Optimarin has recently been in the news as the first UV system supplier to pass the USCG’s marine water tests, with full USCG approval expected this spring. But its technology is also generating interest for its full EX approval, satisfying all Zone 1 ATEX requirements for operation in hazardous areas. This was key to Atlantis Tankers, which transports a variety of cargoes, including organic and non-organic chemicals, clean and dirty petroleum products, and vegetable and lube oils.

“EX approval was essential for Atlantis Tankers and Armona Denizcilik, as was our wider compliance and proven market experience,” comments Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen. “This is a contract that encompasses both newbuilds and retrofits, so it was important to be able to demonstrate our ability in both.

“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.

Speaking of the decision to choose Optimarin systems across the entire fleet, Atlantis Tankers Group chairman Lorenz Weinstabl explains, “Quite simply, we offer customers reliability, flexibility and the very highest service standards – we wanted a BWT supplier that could provide those same values. 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.”

“With the growth of the fleet Atlantis is focused firmly on the future. Optimarin’s systems will help support our success, ensuring compliant, reliable and environmentally responsible operations,” he added.

This latest order brings the number of systems sold by Optimarin up to 364 units, with more than 270 installed. Of these more than 60 have been retrofits.

Alongside Atlantis Tankers, Optimarin provides its BWT solution to shipowners such as Saga Shipholding, MOL, Grieg Shipping Group, Gulf Offshore, Farstad Shipping, NYK, Nor Line, and Evergreen Marine Corp, amongst others. In addition to its full EX and upcoming USCG approvals, Optimarin systems are fully approved by IMO and are certified through DNV GL, Lloyd’s, Bureau Veritas, MLIT Japan, and American Bureau of Shipping.