Norway’s new polar research vessel fitted with Optimarin BWTS

The 100 meter-long PC-3 icebreaker, Norway’s first purpose-built polar research ship in a century years. has been built to undertake year-round scientific assignments in ice-covered water. It is fitted with the 167 m³/h Optimarin Ballast System (OBS), based on what Optimarin calls “simple, effective and ‘tried and tested’ UV-based technology”.

The past few weeks have been a busy time for Optimarin - which points out it has been exclusively focused on BWT since its formation in 1994, and fitted the first commercial BWT system as early as 2000.

The company recently won a retrofit order for 10 more systems from Höegh Autoliners, a contract for the delivery of 36 systems to Ardmore Shipping, and the commission to supply ballast equipment for the US Coast Guard’s new Offshore Patrol Cutter programme.

To date, Optimarin has sold in excess of 650 BWT systems, with more than 500 installed and operational, of which over 200 have been retrofits delivered in collaboration with global engineering partners Goltens and Zeppelin. OBS has certification from a range of leading classification organisations, including ABS, BV, DNV GL, LR and MLIT Japan.