The company, originally established in 1994, has signed 560 contracts in total, of which 200 are retrofits. Systems are based on a combination of filtration and ultra-violet treatment.
Andersen warns of lengthening delivery times, currently about six months, under standard contracts as well as a looming shortage of engineers adept in system design, particularly for retrofits, as well as installation experts. The company has long-established alliances around the world with marine engineering firms including Goltens and Zeppelin.
USCG pushing owners to install systems
He does not believe that the additional two-year delay agreed at the IMO is having much impact on sales volumes which have increased sharply in recent months. This is partly because the US Coast Guard (USCG) is pushing owners to install treatment systems and use them, and is now less prepared to offer exemption letters.
By mid-April, Optimarin had notched up 27 system sales in the year-to-date, more than double the number sold in the corresponding period of 2017. However, Andersen is delighted that the company made a profit for the first time last year and, he says, will perform even more strongly through 2018.
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Despite long lead times and the fact that tens of thousands of ships will require system installations over the next few years, Andersen is astonished at some ship operators’ lack of planning. No system is 100% effective in all regions and waters, he says, and therefore system choice requires significant scientific understanding and a robust due diligence process.
Five-year guarantee
Last November, Optimarin became the first system manufacturer to offer a five-year guarantee on parts and service to ship operators who sign up for systems on a number of vessels. This, the company says, is a unique promise of reliable, safe and effective operations and, with full approvals from both the IMO and the USCG, complete peace of mind.
It also demonstrates that Optimarin executives are entirely comfortable with the performance of their system. Ship operators are encouraged to sign up to Optilink, the company’s remote support set-up, which is available around the clock every day of the year. '
Attractive Norwegian export credit is available for the right deal, according to Andersen, providing that there is Norwegian content of more than 30%. Up to 85% finance is available at a low interest rate over a period of up to eight years.
Existing customers include The Royal Netherlands Navy, Seatruck, Saga Shipholding, Technip, Gulfmark, MOL, Solstad Farstad and Hapag Lloyd. Another major navy has carried out extensive testing and system due diligence, but for the moment, its identity remains a closely guarded secret.
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