Ireland's Ardmore Shipping believes operational problems with ballast water treatment systems (BWTS) are "commonplace" within shipping.
The company said it had had issues with kits from an unnamed supplier or suppliers fitted on 10 new tankers it took delivery of from shipyards.
It has now opted for 36 systems provided by Norway's Optimarin for 18 tankers in its fleet of 28.
The company's newbuildings were delivered up to 2015.
The new equipment will be handed over by Optimarin in February next year.
“We have ten vessels with alternative systems that were installed at newbuild shipyards and have encountered a series of operational problems,” said Gerry Docherty, director of fleet management at Ardmore.
“These issues, which we believe are commonplace within the industry, impact heavily on system reliability."
“As such we conducted a lengthy review of technology for the new installations and that led us to Optimarin.
"USCG compliance was key, as we are always ready to operate in US waters, reliability was paramount and a strong, professional relationship was crucial.
"This is not a one off purchase, but a long-term partnership we’re entering into whereby we need to rely on our supplier’s expertise, technical understanding and ability to deliver on promises. Optimarin with its proven track record, technology and commitment to this segment was the clear choice.”
