Wärtsilä announced 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 Wärtsilä Aquarius EC Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) under license for applications to CSSC customers, according to a statement.

In return, Wärtsilä gains access to CSSC’s new manufacturing facility, further supporting supply and demand needs for the Wärtsilä BWMS direct to Wärtsilä customers. The agreement was signed in Jiujiang earlier this month. 

Wärtsilä 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. C

“This is another landmark agreement forming an important new partnership in China. It facilitates the supply of Wärtsilä 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,” said Dr Joe Thomas, Director, Ballast Water Management Systems, Wärtsilä 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 Wärtsilä, 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,” added Zou Xiubin, Director, Jiujiang Precision Measuring Technology Research Institute.

The agreement has a six-year initial term.