Optimarin Ballast System First In Line for USCG Approval

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has confirmed that Norwegian ballast water treatment (BWT) specialist Optimarin has become the first supplier to submit an application for type approval.

Optimarin’s application was submitted this week by DNV GL after the firm’s Optimarin Ballast System (OBS) satisfied the USCG’s testing criteria for fresh, brackish and marine water. MSC has the stated goal of reviewing and replying to submittals within 30 days, after which point successful suppliers will receive their approval certification.

“The receipt of the first application for a Coast Guard type-approved ballast water management system represents an important milestone for the future of protecting our nation’s waterways from the spread of invasive species,” John Mauger, Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Center (MSC), said.

Optimarin has received orders for around 500 OBS systems, which utilise a combination of filtration and 35kW UV lamps to treat ballast water without the need for chemicals. Of these units 280 have been installed worldwide, with close to 100 retrofits, fitted in tandem with global engineering partners Goltens and Zeppelin.

As well as satisfying all IMO and USCG requirements, OBS is certified by a range of classification organisations, including DNV GL, Lloyd’s, Bureau Veritas, MLIT Japan, and American Bureau of Shipping.

“We have invested a huge amount of time and money in developing a reliable, simple, effective, environmentally friendly and powerful BWT system. This final step towards approval is reward for that, positioning us at the forefront of the market for any shipowner that wants the ultimate in compliance, fleet flexibility and proven BWT success. We believe we’re now the clear choice within our chosen segments and are delighted to be acknowledged by USCG as a key player in the fight against this pressing environmental problem,” said Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen.

The full approval of the system is expected in Q4 2016.