Seatruck runs a fleet of 10 advanced ferries, ranging in capacity from 65‐150 trailers,
with over 60 weekly departures. This regular sailing schedule, between set ports,
ensured the firm could call on local contractors to ‘hop on and off’ and carry out
whatever engineering work the crew themselves couldn’t manage. It was, as
Seatruck Fleet Director Ben Coppack points out, a very efficient way to undertake
the installation.

“We wanted Optimarin systems because of their track record of quality and
approvals, but also because, with their modular nature and operational simplicity,
they’re easy to install,” he notes. “As a short sea operator we had the goal of
carrying out all the work while the ships were in service, with no downtime, thus
keeping costs as low as possible.

“With the Optimarin systems and service – quickly responding to any queries or
issues we encountered – this wasn’t a problem. Our own crews actually performed
the vast majority of work themselves using Optimarin’s manuals. They were really
proud of the excellent work they did, and rightly so.“We’re very pleased we took this approach, ensuring port state compliance and BWT reliability ahead of regulatory demands.”

Seatruck began installation onboard the 5,300 dwt Seatruck Progress in November
last year. The remaining four systems were installed between January and the end of
September this year.

“This is the first time I’ve heard of a shipowner installing this number of systems
themselves while their vessels are in service,” comments Optimarin CEO Tore
Andersen. “It’s a testament both to their mission to provide optimal efficiency to
their stakeholders and customers, and to the simplicity of our environmentally
friendly, UV‐based System.

“With the ratification of the IMO Ballast Water Management convention, and the
strict regulations imposed by the US Coast Guard, the entire world fleet needs to
find proven, effective and reliable systems to ensure compliant sailing. This has the
potential to create huge bottlenecks at yards – and obviously increase installation
costs. However, Seatruck has shown that, with a system as straightforward and
effective as ours, there is another way. I think that’s something that will really
resonate with shipowners worldwide.”

Optimarin has now received orders for over 520 systems, with more than 330
installed worldwide, of which 150 are retrofits. The firm, which has focused
exclusively on BWT since its formation in 1994, was the first to receive full USCG
approval for its system, gaining certification in December last year.
“The market is picking up gradually,” Andersen concludes. “Shipowners need to
comply and they need systems that they can rely on. We’ve spent over 20 years
developing and refining our solution and can offer them unrivalled expertise and
service. With our sound financial base, strong group of investors, and experienced
global partners – including Goltens and Zeppelin – we can give owners not just the
technology they need, but the long‐term peace of mind and performance they
require.”

The Optimarin Ballast System (OBS) is fully approved by both IMO and USCG, with
certification through DNV GL, Lloyd’s, Bureau Veritas, MLIT Japan, and American
Bureau of Shipping. Optimarin customers include names of the order of The Royal
Netherlands Navy, Saga Shipholding, Technip, GulfMark, MOL, Solstad Farstad, and
Hapag Lloyd, amongst others.