The Optimarin ballast water system won Ahrenkiel Steamship over on all levels: "The system is robust, easy to install and operate, and does not take up too much space," says Walter Koglin, Vessel Optimization Manager at Ahrenkiel Steamship. "Unlike other systems, this one also works perfectly under difficult operating conditions, and at a very low cost as well."

By choosing to invest in the OBS 334-BK, Ahrenkiel Steamship has opted for sustainable ship operation, and a resource-efficient, environmentally friendly system that helps to protect our ecosystems. The system first filters the ballast water and then treats it effectively using only two medium-pressure UV lamps with a broad power spectrum. This treatment is carried out reliably without the use of chemicals or biocides and therefore helps to protect the ecosystem. The system achieves a self-cleaning effect through high surface temperatures of up to 800°C on the quartz glass, meaning cleaning modules, wipers, and scrapers are no longer needed. 

Zeppelin Power Systems has been an official partner to Optimarin, the Norwegian manufacturer of ballast water treatment systems, since 2014. The company is one of the biggest providers of these systems and has been on the market since 2000. The systems meet the IMO D2 standard and therefore the requirements for all conventional marine classification companies. The Optimarin technology is also the first of its kind that has received the United States Coast Guard (USCG)'s Type Approval for ballast water treatment systems.