Drammen, Norway 20. August, 2010: OceanSaver today announced that another one of South Korea's largest shipyards has ordered ballast water management (BWM) systems for five state-of-the-art VLCCs (Very Large Crude oil Carriers).
- Five VLCCs
- NOK 350 million orderbook
- Four leading shipyards
- 22 large vessels
- Qualified market leader
The IMO Type Approved OceanSaver® offers a compact, modular design with the add-on feature of reduced corrosion. Power consumption is scaled according to capacity and the level of automation makes it easy for crew operation. These advantages make OceanSaver a technically attractive and cost effective solution for large vessels.
The contract further positions OceanSaver, which has grown to become a major provider of BWM technology and systems since its establishment in 2003, as a key supplier to the global large vessel fleet.
"This contract took two years of very hard work," says Stein Foss, CEO, OceanSaver. "It is extremely rewarding knowing that leading yards recognize our proven BWM technology, systems and competence."
Three weeks ago OceanSaver signed a contract with Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company in China for the delivery of BWM systems for six VLCCs. This followed another BWM system order in Korea for two high-spec Suezmax crude-oil tankers and six VLCCs at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company in China. To date, OceanSaver has won BWM system contracts for 22 vessels – all of them large tankers.
"The new order represents the fourth shipyard to choose our system. Shipyards recognize OceanSaver's BWM experience and know that we have solutions for their ballast water challenges. The fact that we've sold more larger vessel BWM systems than any other company says a lot," says Foss.
The delivery includes provision of high-tech BWM equipment, services, engineering and product management and system installation consulting. With this contract, OceanSaver's total orderbook is above NOK 350 million.
"OceanSaver's innovative BWM system is becoming globally recognized by both shipowners and yards as the best and most cost effective BWM solution for the large and more complex tonnage segments," says Foss.
Technologies developed for ballast water treatment are subject to approval through specific IMO processes and testing guidelines designed to ensure that such technologies meet the relevant IMO standards, are sufficiently robust, have minimal adverse environmental impact and are suitable for use in specific shipboard environments.
"Management of environmental risks during ballast water operations means compliance with national and international environmental regulations can be achieved without compromising safety. Major shipyards and owners recognize the necessity of a well-documented and proven BWM system," adds Foss.
According to Foss, today's VLCCs are highly advanced and equipped with state-of-the-art solutions to reduce the chances of environmental disasters. From contra-rotating propellers to reduce fuel consumption to corrosion resistant tin-free paint, BWM systems are also an important variable in the environmental equation.
"Shipowners are constantly looking to improve their ship operations and minimize their environmental footprint. Keeping in mind the requirements of ISO 14001, most owners have already taken into account that the IMO BWM Convention indeed will be ratified – which is expected to happen in 2011 followed by entry-into-force 12 months thereafter," states the OceanSaver CEO.
The key features of the OceanSaver system with respect to ballast water treatment area are:
- Capability of large flow capacities
- EX Approval (gas hazardous areas)
- Low footprint / flexible location
- Savings on corrosion
The biggest operating costs for most systems are spare parts, consumables and fuel for producing energy. OceanSaver, as a large BWM system, is inexpensive related to spare parts, needs no consumables and has a moderate energy demand. OceanSaver's implementation of the nitrogen super-saturation principle combined with other treatment systems has proved an excellent way of reducing maintenance costs for ballast water tanks and their protective coatings.
For more information, contact:
Houtan Houshangi
CEO
OceanSaver
Tel: + 46 707 22 77 87
Email: hho@oceansaver.com