On December 16, 2016, Wartsila announced that it has signed a manufacturing license agreement with Jiujiang Precision Measuring Technology Research Institute,a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), based in Jiujiang, China. The two-way agreement provides CSSC with access to technology and the rights to manufacture the Wartsila Aquarius EC Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) under license for applications to CSSC customers. In return, Wartsila gains access to CSSC's new manufacturing facility, thereby further supporting supply and demand needs for the Wartsila BWMS direct to Wartsila customers. The agreement was signed in Jiujiang on 5th December 2016 and is implemented with immediate effect.
   Wartsila retains ownership of the Aquarius Electro-Chlorination (EC) technology and all associated Intellectual Property Rights, while CSSC will manufacture the system for sale and installation with CSSC newbuild and retrofit projects. CSSC is the largest group of shipbuilding companies in the world with a significant need for robust BWMS technology for their Chinese and international customers.The system will be supplied with Wartsila Type Approval.
   "This is another landmark agreement forming an important new partnership in China. It facilitates the supply of Wartsila Aquarius EC BWMS to a significant provider in the Chinese marine market, both for new shipbuilding and retrofit projects. By combining the strengths of our two companies, we can more effectively meet the growing demand for EC BWMS for medium to large vessel applications. Our combined global service networks also ensure that the BWMS units are fully supported wherever and whenever needed," says Dr Joe Thomas, Director, Ballast Water Management Systems, Wartsila Marine Solutions.
   "As a subsidiary of CSSC, our institute has strong design and manufacturing capabilities. We have easy access to the resources concerning shipbuilding and retrofits for marketing and sales of BWMS systems, and Wartsila, as a significant global marine equipment supplier, has great advantages in technical support and global after sales service. This milestone event represents a promising start to our two companies' partnership. The signing of this agreement will promote the further cooperation between the two companies," says Mr Zou Xiubin, Director, Jiujiang Precision Measuring Technology Research Institute.
   The agreement has a 6 year initial term. The two companies will support each other in delivering the BWMS technology to a broader customer base, and in providing long term global service support and sales of spare parts for the companies' combined customer base.

The Wartsila Aquarius EC Ballast Water Management System

   The Wartsila Aquarius EC BWMS provides robust technology for the treatment of ballast water using a simple two stage process involving filtration and electro-chlorination (EC). It is effective in all operating and environmental conditions. The system is easy to integrate and maintain, and is type approved according to the IMO Convention and has an Alternative Management System (AMS) acceptance certificate from the United States Coastguard (USCG).