OptiMarin Signs Exclusive Distribution Agreement With Allweiler AS, Norway

Allweiler AS, Norway - an international supplier of comprehensive commercial marine pump units and packages, announced today that it has signed an exclusive distributor agreement with the leading BWT solution provider OptiMarin. OptiMarin and Allweiler AS, Norway confirm having six to ten projects already underway, representing a huge potential in BWT and pump equipment and materials, installation and engineering services.
According to both companies, the agreement has come about as a direct consequence of an increasing demand by shipowners and shipyards for tailor-made package solutions, configuring engine room and cargo pumps with BWT systems.
Under the terms of this agreement, Allweiler AS, Norway will distribute OptiMarin’s BWT system, OptiMarin Ballast System (OBS) in Norway, to Norwegian owners operating globally and selected international clients. OptiMarin will partner with Allweiler AS, Norway on a contract-to-contract basis as determined by the two companies.
Some 500 supply ships in the Norwegian market must be retrofitted with BWT systems by 2014.
“The sale and installation of BWT systems represents one of the biggest business booms the ship equipment industry has ever witnessed when the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments comes into force. I have never seen anything like this before. I am pleased that OptiMarin has chosen Allweiler ,” says Kaare Johansen, CEO, Allweiler AS, Norway.
“It is our impression that few owners are aware of the fact that BWT systems are mandatory as of 1 January, 2009 for all vessels constructed (i.e. keel laid) and which have a ballast capacity of less than 5,000 cubic meters,” says Johansen.
"Our partnership with OptiMarin provides Allweiler AS, Norway the opportunity to offer our customers access to the best BWT system available in the market, thus generating a real improvement of our overall proposition,” he says.
“It makes sense for shipowners and shipyards to get a one stop supplier for a total BWT system and ship pump package,” says Johansen.
Allweiler’s high pump performance levels, zero disruption to existing installations and close contact with leading offshore shipping owners were major reasons driving OptiMarin’s choice.
"Together with Allweiler, we can leverage a broad network of shipowners and shipyards, and offer the offshore vessel market a total BWT system solution unmatched by other suppliers,” says Pål Sanner, CEO, OptiMarin.
“Partnering with Allweiler AS, Norway strengthens our presence and level of sales support throughout Norway. This collaboration will increase visibility and business potential of both companies in the offshore shipping and merchant marine industries,” says Sanner.
The OptiMarin Ballast System (OBS) can easily be installed in existing or new ships and can handle flows up to 3000 m3/h. The system is well suited for a total range of vessels from offshore AHTS and PSV to small handy size carriers, Handymax, Panamax, Capesize and Cruise vessels.
Sanner believes that emerging offshore markets are key to future OptiMarin BWT business.
“Allweiler is well established in key countries through relationships with Norwegian and Scandinavian operators and also through direct links at strategic shipyards. Collaborating with Allweiler AS, Norway puts us in the ideal position to offer the right product and right level of service to owners of supply ships,” says Sanner.