Ardmore Shipping to equip 18 vessels with Optimarin ballast water systems
Ardmore Shipping is to fit Optimarin ballast water treatment systems (BWTS) to 18 tankers in its fleet, noting operational problems it has had 10 “alternate” systems it has installed.
A total of 36 systems will be fitted to 18 chemical and product tankers in Ardmore's fleet with deliveries starting from February next year.
The Irish-headquartered shipping firm said it choose the Optimarin system after a lengthy review of teh technology of new isntallations with US Coast Guard compliance a key factor. Gerry Docherty, director, fleet management for Ardmore, said they were looking for a long term partnership with the supplier that had an ability to deliver on promises.
These requirements were driven by a less than positive experience with systems from another manufacturer. “We have ten vessels with alternative systems that were installed at newbuild shipyards and have encountered a series of operational problems. These issues, which we believe are commonplace within the industry, impact heavily on system reliability,” he said.
Read more: Operational problems continue with Ballast Water Treatment Systems: ABS
Optimarin ceo Tore Andersen, commented: “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.”
The latest contracts will bring Optimarin's BWTS retrofit tally to over 200 and it has now sold over 650 systems in total.
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