Optimarin acquires Hyde Marine
Norwegian ballast water system manufacturer, Optimarin, has taken over one of its rivals, Hyde Marine, from Italy’s De Nora Marine Technologies for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition includes Hyde Marine’s ultraviolet treatment technology, its products and its installed base of about 600 systems. This will take Optimarin’s installed total to around 2,000 units.
The privately owned Norwegian company now has a significantly larger client base and will continue its strategy of targeting both retrofits and new ship orders. A manufacturing base has recently been established in China.
Its executives believe that even though the deadline for installations – September 8th – is only a few weeks away, there are many installed systems that either fail to work properly, or have not been used regularly. Over the last two years, it has implemented a ‘retrofit of retrofits’ initiative to tackle this issue.
Commenting on the acquisition, Optimarin’s newly appointed CEO, Tore Svanheld, said: “The acquisition represents a win-win deal as Optimarin will gain access to high-end technology, while Hyde Marine ballast water treatment system users will benefit from our extensive global service organisation with 24/7 availability and strong technical expertise to support efficient ballasting operations.”
Optimarin has been in the ballast water treatment business for about 30 years. Over that time, is has built up a worldwide network of service partners in countries including Brazil, China, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Romania, Singapore, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, UK and US.
The company has also set up a digital cloud-based system, OptilinkTM, for monitoring and managing systems on a 24/7 basis with over-the-air software updates to ensure that installations continue to work effectively at all times. Staff in the centralised service centre in Stavanger are in regular contact with clients, providing after-sales support, and coordinating services provided by engineers around the world. Spare parts are held in stock at various satellite locations.
Svanheld said that the acquisition fits neatly with Optimarin’s strategic ambitions for business development in the future. “We have recently expanded our product portfolio with oily water separators and sewage treatment plants. Now, with this transaction, we are growing the core ballast water treatment system business to consolidate our strong position in this market and firmly intend to remain a force to be reckoned with in the maritime sector.”
