ERMA FIRST - Experts & Thought Leaders

ERMA FIRST GROUP has successfully completed the acquisition of Ecochlor, in a move that reinforces its position as a trusted provider of ballast water treatment and advanced decarbonisation solutions. Broadening the range of ultra-efficient ballast water treatment systems (BWTS), future-proof decarbonisation solutions, and related services under the ERMA FIRST GROUP umbrella, the acquisition consolidates the company’s status as one of the world’s largest BWTS providers. Marine ecosystem “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,” said Eleni Polychronopoulou, President, of ERMA FIRST GROUP. Eleni Polychronopoulou adds, “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. A crucial part of our success has been our continuous investment in providing the best BWTS solutions, both through organic growth and acquisitions such as this, while simultaneously supporting customers before, during and after installation.” BWTS portfolio The second hybrid system deploys either a two-step filtration and ClO2 process or filterless ClO2-based operations Ecochlor’s BWTS portfolio comprises a filtration- and ClO2-based system and two versions of the EcoOne™ solution. The first is a filterless system that uses ClO2 alone and consumes just 10–20 kilowatts 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. EcoBlue The Ecochlor BWTS secured its market position by using a low dose of its proprietary chlorine dioxide (ClO2) solution, the EcoBlue, to treat ballast water in a highly efficient one- or two-step process. EcoBlue is the only chemical globally to be approved for use in Ecochlor systems under IMO and USCG Type Approval Certificates, which means that compliance is guaranteed for every operation, as well as compliance with IMO and USCG discharge standards. Safe operation Apart from ensuring compliance, EcoBlue secures the safe operation of the BWTS by the maker's operational manual and the BWTS warranty remains valid. ERMA FIRST GROUP’s global reach will further strengthen the system’s established chemical resupply and service network, which supports optimal Ecochlor BWTS performance wherever vessels sail. In addition to that, the use of ERMA FIRST GROUP genuine spare parts safeguards the flawless, efficient, and effective operation of every BWTS, prolonging its lifecycle without compromises, while ensuring warranty validity and full compliance with IMO and USCG Type Approvals. One-stop shop for green ship operations All installed Ecochlor systems were eligible for continuation of certified service post-acquisition, subject to verification Konstantinos Stampedakis, Co-Founder and Managing Director, ERMA FIRST GROUP emphasised that all installed Ecochlor systems were eligible for continuation of certified service post-acquisition, subject to verification that clients’ prior maintenance used original spare parts and EcoBlue. Failure to use approved components can render certifications null and void. “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Ecochlor in a move that consolidates our position as a provider of BWTS and our continuing growth as a one-stop shop for greenship operations,” said Konstantinos Stampedakis. ClO2-based technology Konstantinos Stampedakis adds, “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.” Ecochlor’s ClO2-based technology offers a simple yet highly effective means of treating ballast water, while at the same time helping to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions due to the system’s low power requirements.

ERMA FIRST, a globally renowned sustainable maritime solutions provider, has joined the RightShip Zero Harm Innovation Partners Program, which aims to promote the adoption of solutions targeting a zero-harm maritime industry. Committed to preserving and protecting the marine ecosystem, ERMA FIRST offers an extensive portfolio of future-proof maritime sustainability solutions encompassing alternative maritime power (AMP), carbon capture and storage (CCS), and energy-saving devices (ESDs). Future-proof solutions With these solutions now part of the Zero Harm Innovation Partners Program, shipowners and managers can showcase these integrated technologies to charterers, demonstrating their proactive steps towards achieving zero harm. “ERMA FIRST began life as a manufacturer and supplier of ballast water treatment systems, but has since evolved to become a pioneering provider of future-proof solutions that directly contribute to maritime decarbonisation,” said Nikos Drimalas, Sales Director, ERMA FIRST. Shoreside electrical grid  Nikos Drimalas adds: “As a testament to the impact of these solutions, our newly established collaboration with RightShip will help us to reach an even wider global audience. We are proud to be involved in a programme that promises to accelerate shipping’s transition to a zero-harm industry.” By allowing vessels to shut down their auxiliary engines and draw from the shoreside electrical grid at berth, ERMA FIRST’s AMP system, BLUE CONNECT, enables emissions-free port stays, while its CARBON FIT CCS system will significantly reduce emissions at sea by capturing CO2 from exhaust gases. FLEX series of ESDs The company’s FLEX series of ESDs boost propulsive efficiency to cut fuel consumption and emissions Meanwhile, the company’s FLEX series of ESDs boost propulsive efficiency to cut fuel consumption and emissions during voyages.  The first in the series, FLEXCAP, builds on the proven capabilities of propeller boss-cap fins, drawing energy from the hub vortex and converting it into torque to reduce power demand on the propeller, enhancing fuel efficiency by two to five percent as a result.  Proper alignment Using a ring design to guide water flow towards the propeller, FLEXRING increases speed in areas where flow is otherwise obstructed. It also creates some thrust on the duct and, with proper alignment of the fins, a pre-swirl effect. This leads to efficiency gains of between three and seven percent. Comprising a set of fins placed and aligned with precision, FLEXFIN guides the flow around the hull in such a way that ensures more even distribution, reducing water resistance, optimising flow to the propeller, and consequently boosting efficiency by up to three percent. When used in conjunction, the three ESDs can yield energy savings of up to 16%.

ERMA FIRST, a pioneering sustainable maritime solutions provider, has teamed up with the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA), the Municipality of Perama and the local community to clean up Perama Beach as part of the company’s wide-ranging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. The event, which took place on 30 August 2024, saw over 80 participants collaborate to clear over 30 large refuse bags’ worth of recyclable and non-recyclable litter from the Perama coastline. HELMEPA Silver Badge Both ERMA FIRST and EPE received a HELMEPA Silver Badge for their duty to marine litter collection Employees of ERMA FIRST, Environmental Protection Engineering (EPE), EPE Yachting, and Metis were joined by members of the local community; representatives of the Municipality of Perama including Mr. Yiannis Lagoudakos, Mayor of Perama; and HELMEPA, who provided a minivan to transport people and recyclables. Both ERMA FIRST and EPE received a HELMEPA Silver Badge for their commitment in marine litter collection and for pioneering the recent beach clean-up initiative in Perama, a voluntary marine clean-up action that contributed to the collection and recording of marine litter and to HELMEPA’s mission “To Save the Seas”. Far-reaching CSR strategy Mr. Konstantinos Stampedakis, Co-Founder & Managing Director, ERMA FIRST GROUP, said: “Aligning perfectly with our far-reaching CSR strategy, this event was a fantastic opportunity for us to give back to our community, protect our beautiful coastline, and enjoy some fresh air with colleagues." "Thank you to the ERMA FIRST, EPE, EPE Yachting, and Metis team members who took part and to HELMEPA for their support. We were also honoured to welcome Mayor of Perama, Mr Yiannis Lagoudakos, to the event and would like to extend our gratitude to the Municipality of Perama.” Drive community engagement Ms. Eleni Polychronopoulou, President, ERMA FIRST GROUP, commented: “Our latest voluntary beach clean-up event has been a great success. However, while we are proud of the volume of rubbish we removed from our coastline through hard work and collaboration, we know that keeping our beaches clean in the long term relies on education." "We were therefore delighted for the opportunity to drive community engagement and discuss with participants our shared responsibilities and the importance of volunteering, recycling, and taking care of the planet. Planet Earth is our home, and we must protect and preserve it by all means for a better future for all – especially for the generations to come.” Marine ecosystem According to Mr. Kimon Mademlis, Marketing & Communications Director, ERMA FIRST GROUP, “the Group’s initiative to organise and lead this specific CSR action reflects its mission to preserve and protect the marine ecosystem and reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – in particular, SDGs 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; 13: Climate Action; and 14: Life Below Water.” “In addition, the action aligns with ERMA FIRST GROUP’s status as a signatory of the EU Mission Charter ‘Restore our ocean and waters by 2030’; our support of the European Union’s Environment and Climate Green Week; and our three strategic pillars of local community, inclusivity, and sustainability,” Mr. Mademlis underlined. The company had also registered the event as part of the EU Beach Cleanup campaign and as a European Climate Pact ‘satellite event’.