Stavanger-based ballast water treatment plant manufacturer Optimarin is close to developing an Ex-proof type system to fit on board tankers, Tanker Operator reports.
Sales and marketing director Tore Andersen told Tanker Operator that an Ex-proof BWT system should be approved by DNV by the middle of this year, enabling the company to tap into the huge chemical and product tanker market of up to around 60,000 dwt, depending on pumping capacity.
Until now Optimarin has sold more than 135 units and the company hopes to sell a further 30 to 40 units by the end of this year, the largest of which has a 2,000 cu m capacity.
The company's system is based on a filtration and UV light system. The largest capacity system the company is marketing is up to 2,500 cu m.
Andersen thought the market could be around 50,000 vessels by 2018-2020 and retrofits could easily be planned around the vessels’ scheduled drydockings. However, future newbuildings not already fitted with a BWT system, will only have a year to comply.
He claimed that the Optimarin system was easy to retrofit and maintain, as the various components are housed in separate cabinets, for example on tankers, the filters and UV power unit can be installed in the pump room.
He also called for Port State Control guidelines to be put in place, enabling shipping companies to prepare properly for inspections.
Such is the market potential that Optimarin has seen its turnover grow from NOK14 mill in 2010 to an estimated NOK150 mill this year. The 2011 figure was NOK67 mill.
Sales and marketing director Tore Andersen told Tanker Operator that an Ex-proof BWT system should be approved by DNV by the middle of this year, enabling the company to tap into the huge chemical and product tanker market of up to around 60,000 dwt, depending on pumping capacity.
Until now Optimarin has sold more than 135 units and the company hopes to sell a further 30 to 40 units by the end of this year, the largest of which has a 2,000 cu m capacity.
The company's system is based on a filtration and UV light system. The largest capacity system the company is marketing is up to 2,500 cu m.
Andersen thought the market could be around 50,000 vessels by 2018-2020 and retrofits could easily be planned around the vessels’ scheduled drydockings. However, future newbuildings not already fitted with a BWT system, will only have a year to comply.
He claimed that the Optimarin system was easy to retrofit and maintain, as the various components are housed in separate cabinets, for example on tankers, the filters and UV power unit can be installed in the pump room.
He also called for Port State Control guidelines to be put in place, enabling shipping companies to prepare properly for inspections.
Such is the market potential that Optimarin has seen its turnover grow from NOK14 mill in 2010 to an estimated NOK150 mill this year. The 2011 figure was NOK67 mill.