Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) has selected Optimarin to supply ballast water treatment systems (BWTS) for nine offshore patrol cutters (OPC) to be built at its Panama City, FL shipyard.

The agreement with ESG will see the Optimarin Ballast Systems (OBS) fitted in the new OPCs, designed to support the nation’s maritime security and undertake vital border protection duties.

Equipped to carry helicopters, Over-the-Horizon (OTH) boats and featuring sophisticated combat systems, these vessels will begin replacing the coast guard’s existing fleet of medium endurance cutters in 2021.

“The USCG is a flag-bearer in the fight against invasive species carried in ballast water and sets the bar for BWT regulations globally,” Tore Andersen, Optimarin CEO, said.

In December 2016, Optimarin became the first BWT supplier to gain USCG Type Approval. The OBS utilizes a combination of filtration and UV lamps to treat ballast water without the need for chemicals. The systems are simple to operate, maintain and due to their modular design can be fitted in vessels where available space is at a premium, according to the BWT manufacturer.