ZEPPELIN - WE CREATE SOLUTIONS

Zeppelin Power Systems wird bis 2024 sechs Optimarin Ballastwasserbehandlungssysteme (OBS) an die Lübecker Reederei Lehmann liefern. Die bestellten Anlagen des Typs OBS 334-BK haben eine Kapazität von maximal je 334m³/h. 

Die Reederei wird die Anlagen auf ihren Mehrzweckfrachtern, die europaweit im Einsatz sind, in Eigenregie einbauen. „Die Ballastwasserbehandlungssysteme von Optimarin haben uns überzeugt, da sie kompakt, einfach zu installieren und zu bedienen sowie darüber hinaus sehr robust und qualitativ hochwertig sind“, sagt Sven Lohse, Geschäftsführer der Reederei Lehmann. 

Die Reederei Lehman ist seit Jahrzenten treuer Kunde im Bereich der MaK Motoren und vertraut zudem auf die Serviceleistungen von Zeppelin Power Systems. Mit dem Erwerb und Einsatz der OBS setzt die Reederei auf einen nachhaltigeren Schiffsbetrieb und damit auf den Schutz der Ökosysteme. Zeppelin Power Systems ist seit 2014 offizieller Partner von Optimarin, dem größten Anbieter für Ballastwasserbehandlungssysteme. Die Anlagen des norwegischen Herstellers entsprechen dem IMO D2-Standard und damit den Anforderungen aller gängigen Marine-Klassifikationsgesellschaften. Die Optimarin Technologie ist zudem die erste ihrer Art, die das Type Approval der United States Coast Guard (USCG) für Ballastwassersysteme erhalten hat.

“This is arguably the kind of contract we value most,” comments Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen. “The fact that Hoëgh Autoliners is an established global leader in its segment is one thing, but the really satisfying aspect is that they’re reordering more of our units because they know they work – day in, day out, delivering optimal, globally compliant operations for their vessels.

“In a segment that is still somewhat defined by teething troubles with technology – a survey by ABS in 2017 revealed that almost half of installed systems weren’t operating properly – our simple, easy to install and maintain technology is the market proven choice. This order is living proof of the faith industry leaders have in our systems and that’s immensely gratifying.

“We believe it’s the effect of trying our technology – once you have there’s no going back.”

The order follows less than a month after the Norwegian-headquartered supplier signed one of its biggest contracts to date, for the delivery of 36 systems to Ardmore Shipping. Optimarin has now sold well over 650 systems, with more than 500 installed and operational. Of these, over 200 have been retrofits delivered in collaboration with global engineering partners Goltens and Zeppelin.

Höegh Autoliners will receive the first of its ten units this month, with a delivery schedule that rolls out installations through to 2023. All of the Optimarin Ballast Systems (OBS) will boast 500m3 capacities. “We know Optimarin systems and their ability to perform,” comments Jan Rune Mørken, Head of Projects and Newbuilding, Höegh Autoliners. “Höegh Autoliners is a responsible shipowner with a commitment to deliver high quality service for our customers around the world. It’s therefore essential we team up with suppliers that share our vision and dedication, allowing us to sail safely, compliantly and with the minimal of environmental impact on all our routes. “We look forward to working closely with our suppliers to further develop and optimize the system for our vessels to come.”

OBS was the first system in the world to receive full USCG approval and was recently selected for the coastguard’s newbuild Offshore Patrol Cutter programme. Optimarin, which has been exclusively focused on BWT since its formation in 1994, installed the world’s first commercial treatment system in 2000 onboard cruise ship Princess Regal. OBS satisfies all IMO and USCG requirements, with certification from a comprehensive range of classification organizations, including ABS, BV, DNV-GL, LR & MLIT Japan. Current customers include GulfMark, Hapag Lloyd, Matson Navigation, McDermott, MOL, Saga Shipholding, Seatruck, Technip & The Royal Netherlands Navy.

Ardmore, an established leader in its niche, will fit two Ex approved units in each vessel. The Irish-headquartered firm was attracted by Optimarin’s simple, reliable and easy to install technology, alongside its lengthy track record of segment expertise.

This helped reassure a shipowner that, until now, has not enjoyed a positive BWT experience. “We have ten vessels with alternative systems that were installed at newbuild shipyards and have encountered a series of operational problems,” states Gerry Docherty, Director, Fleet Management, Ardmore. “These issues, which we believe are commonplace within the industry, impact heavily on system reliability.

“As such we conducted a lengthy review of technology for the new installations and that led us to Optimarin. USCG compliance was key, as we are always ready to operate in US waters, reliability was paramount and a strong, professional relationship was crucial. This is not a one off purchase, but a long-term partnership we’re entering into whereby we need to rely on our supplier’s expertise, technical understanding and ability to deliver on promises. Optimarin with its proven track record, technology and commitment to this segment was the clear choice.”

Docherty adds: “Ardmore is a responsible shipowner focused on achieving the best operating practices, customer service and efficiency. To meet these standards we need suppliers that deliver quality, compliance and optimal performance, always. With Optimarin we’re now confident we have a long-term partner we can trust.”

Ardmore’s decision follows on the heels of the announcement that USCG will be using Optimarin Ballast Systems (OBS) on its next generation Offshore Patrol Cutters. According to Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen it helps consolidate a remarkable month for the business.

“To secure a contract of this nature, from an owner of Ardmore’s standing, so soon after the USCG decision is a dream come true,” he notes. “It clearly illustrates the momentum we are now building as forward thinking shipowners move early to comply with IMO regulations and safeguard the environment.

“Our track record of reliability, our 100% focus on BWT, and our long-term vision, backed by five-year parts and servicing guarantees for framework agreements, is positioning us as the first choice for leaders in the shipping industry. That clearly describes Ardmore, and we’re looking forward to providing them with globally compliant, proven and effective OBS across their first class portfolio.”

Ardmore’s fleet ranges in size from 25,000 to 50,000 dwt. The firm transports petroleum products and chemicals worldwide with its modern, fuel-efficient mid-size tankers.

The OBS units, the first systems in the market to achieve full USCG approval, will be fitted on a rolling basis across a selection of strategic partner shipyards with whom Ardmore has existing relationships. Once completed, the contract will take the number of Optimarin systems retrofitted beyond the 200 mark. The firm, which has been exclusively focused on BWT since its formation in 1994, has now sold over 650 systems with over 500 installed and operating.

Optimarin’s UV-based systems satisfy all IMO and USCG requirements, with certification from a comprehensive range of classification organizations, including ABS, BV, DNV-GL, LR & MLIT Japan. Notable customers include GulfMark, Hapag Lloyd, Matson Navigation, McDermott, MOL, Saga Shipholding, Seatruck, Technip & The Royal Netherlands Navy.

The agreement with ESG will see the Optimarin Ballast Systems (OBS) fitted in the new OPCs, designed to support the nation's maritime security and undertake vital border protection duties. Equipped to carry helicopters, Over‐the‐Horizon (OTH) boats and featuring sophisticated combat systems, these vessels will begin replacing the existing Medium Endurance Cutters in 2021. “This is a banner day for Optimarin,” comments company CEO Tore Andersen. “The USCG is a flag‐bearer in the fight against invasive species carried in ballast water and sets the bar for BWT regulations globally. ESG selecting the OBS positions us at the forefront of the industry and is a huge endorsement of the effectiveness and proven reliability of our technology.” When Optimarin became the first BWT supplier to gain USCG Type Approval* in December 2016, Commanding Officer John Mauger of USCG’s Marine Safety Center (MSC) described the event as “an important milestone for the future of protecting our nation’s waterways from the spread of invasive species.” The OBS utilizes a combination of filtration and powerful UV lamps to treat ballast water without the need for chemicals. The systems are simple to operate, maintain and due to their modular design can be fitted in vessels where available space is at a premium. Andersen notes: “To date, we’ve sold close to 600 units with over 400 installed and operating.” More than 150 OBS have been retrofitted by Optimarin’s global engineering partners and in 2017 Optimarin introduced a fiveyear fleet agreement for parts and service guarantees. “Optimarin has been solely dedicated to Ballast Water Treatment since 1994, having installed the world’s first commercial system in 2000. Eastern Shipbuilding Group and the USCG recognize that kind of expertise as well as commitment, and we’re delighted to be a part of their long‐term plans for the future.”

The four ships, two of which are due for delivery in 2019, with their sister vessels following in 2020, are currently under construction at Sefine shipyard in Turkey. Each 82.25m, SALT Design vessel will have two holds for transporting live fish, with 500m3 ballast tanks, accommodation for 12 crew members and diesel electric propulsion. Once completed they will push DESS’s specialist fleet up to ten vessels. “This is an excellent contract to sign with an ambitious shipowner and operator that, although only launched in 2016, is making significant waves within its niche segment,” comments Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen. “It provides a clear indication that Optimarin is now a preferred supplier for forward thinking companies that are focused on environmentally responsible operations, with market proven, established and, thanks to our full USCG and IMO approval, 100% worldwide compliant technology.

“These highly specialised vessels are designed with optimal performance and fish welfare in mind, so space on‐board is of a premium. The modular nature of our powerful UV system makes it the perfect fit, while its simple technology, with no moving parts and easy maintenance, ensures it will provide problem free operations for these busy crews and ships. As a company we see huge growth potential in the aquaculture segment, so we’re happy to sign this agreement with such a respected, high profile player.” DESS has secured long‐term contracts for all the newbuilds, commencing with immediate effect upon leaving the yard. On the decision to choose Optimarin, Kjetil Løseth, DESS Aquaculture Shipping Commercial Director, notes: “DESS and its owners are focused on providing high quality services to clients, with high quality vessels, at attractive prices. We therefore require the best, most reliable and compliant equipment to ensure optimal performance and vessel utilization. “Optimarin BWT systems tick all those boxes, while fulfilling our desire to operate with environmental responsibility to the fore. We look forwards to putting the vessels into service on schedule and continuing to build our position in this exciting shipping segment.”