Optimarin has received DNV type approval (TA) for the Optimarin Guardian ballast water treatment system BWTS), completing the integration of Hyde’s Guardian technology into Optimarin’s product portfolio and making the system ready for commercial delivery.
Guardian combines the proven Hyde Marine UV reactor technology with the Optimarin control system already familiar to customers and crews. It uses established components from Optimarin’s Protector portfolio, including filters, backflush pumps, valves and instrumentation.
The result is said to be a compact and energy-efficient BWTS designed for straightforward integration and simple operation. Guardian is available in configurations from 60 to 3,000 m³/h, significantly broadening Optimarin’s offering at the lower end of the capacity range. The 60 m³/h system is particularly important, opening opportunities in segments where compact dimensions and lower power demand are critical, including fishing vessels.
Tore Svanheld, CEO Optimarin, said: “Receiving type approval for Guardian is an important milestone for Optimarin. Our aim was simple: take a proven UV technology and integrate it into the Optimarin platform in a way that makes sense for our customers. That means lower power requirements, straightforward operation and the same control philosophy and support they already know.”
Following Optimarin’s acquisition of Hyde Marine’s BWTS business, Guardian has been integrated into Optimarin’s established product platform. The DNV TA builds on the existing Guardian approval while incorporating Optimarin’s control system and selected components from the Protector portfolio. For operators, this means a different UV technology within the Optimarin range, while retaining a familiar control system and operating philosophy.
Lower power requirements are considered to be one of Guardian’s key advantages. Combined with its compact design, this gives shipyards, naval architects and vessel owners greater flexibility when planning machinery spaces and integrating the BWTS onboard.
This is particularly valuable on vessels where both space and installed power are limited.
Tonje Olafsen, VP Sales and Projects, Optimarin, added: “The 60 m³/h system is especially exciting for us. It opens up segments such as yachts and fishing vessels, where space and available power can be decisive. At the same time, Guardian gives us greater flexibility to find the right solution for each vessel rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.”
The Guardian range then extends through 300, 500, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 m³/h configurations up to 3,000 m³/h, giving Optimarin a complementary offering across a broad range of vessel types and operating profiles.
Guardian is seen as an important milestone following Optimarin’s acquisition of Hyde Marine’s BWTS business. The acquisition gave Optimarin access to Hyde’s UV technology and aftermarket access to its installed base. The combined Optimarin and Hyde installed base represents more than 2,000 systems sold, backed by Optimarin’s more than 30 years of experience in ballast water treatment.
Svanheld said: “The Hyde acquisition gave us access to proven technology and a significantly larger installed base. With Guardian, we are putting that technology to use within the Optimarin portfolio. The type approval confirms that the system is ready, and we can now take it fully to market.”
Guardian will be supported through Optimarin’s established global service organisation, including commissioning, technical support, spare parts, training and lifecycle services. With DNV TA in place, Optimarin Guardian is commercially ready across its full range from 60 to 3,000 m³/h.
Image: The Optimarin Guardian 60 m3h system, designed for applications with limited space and power (source: Optimarin)
