Erma First buys Ecochlor
In a statement, Polychronopoulou said: “Erma First Group is dedicated to protecting and preserving the marine ecosystem by continuously developing and expanding its portfolio of innovative and future-proof environmental protection solutions. Over the last 15 years, Erma First Group has secured its reputation as a trusted BWTS partner, working closely with customers around the world to ensure access to the highest-quality services and solutions.”
Ecochlor’s system portfolio comprises a filtration- and ClO2-based system and two versions of the EcoOne™ unit. The first is a filterless system that uses ClO2 alone and consumes just 10–20kw of power even at very-high flow rates. The second hybrid system deploys either a two-step filtration and ClO2 process or filterless ClO2-based operations only, depending on shipowner requirements.”
The Ecochlor BWTS uses a low dose of its proprietary EcoBlue to treat ballast water. The chemical is unique in having been approved for use in Ecochlor systems by both the IMO and the US Coast Guard, ensuring that it complies with both regulator’s discharge standards.
Earlier this year, one of Greece’s largest shipping groups, Angelicoussis, announced that it would retrofit 36 ships with the Ecochlor product. The systems are being installed on large vessels including VLCCs, Suezmaxes, Aframaxes, and Capesize bulkers.
Erma First co-founder and managing director, Konstantinos Stampedakis, commented: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Ecochlor in a move that consolidates our position as a world-leading provider of BWTS and our continuing growth as a one-stop shop for green ship operations. By combining the portfolios and service capabilities of Erma First Group and Ecochlor, the acquisition extends our reach as a future-proof partner equipped to help shipping meet its environmental obligations.”
The acquisition is thought to bring the total number of systems in operation under the Erma First setup close to 4,000.
