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About Us

About Us

the ERMA FIRST story

the ERMA FIRST story

It all started from bold entrepreneurial spirit

ERMA FIRST S.A. was established in 2009 by a team of experts with a strong background and solid knowledge in waste and water treatment technology for marine applications. Driven by the needs of shipowners and stricter environmental protection legislation, the company started designing and manufacturing innovative BWTS. Having been successfully tested in some of the most stringent test facilities, ERMA FIRST systems are certified and have been awarded for technological achievement many times over the years.

Today, ERMA FIRST holds a strong position in the global market for BWTS. In a short period of time, the company has successfully worked on numerous projects in shipyards in China, Korea, Japan as well as other areas.

Proud for ERMA FIRST!

ERMA FIRST MILESTONES

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2013

Received the Greek Lloyd’s List Award on technology achievement

2014

Received the Type Approval of ERMA FIRST FIT model

2017

Became the first full flow electrolysis system to receive USCG Type Approval Certificate

2022

Launch of BLUE CONNECT, a pioneering alternative maritime power solution

ERMA FIRST IN NUMBERS

Commissioning Countries

ERMA FIRST has commissioned systems around the world under the most challenging circumstances. Additionally to the chart, the ERMA FIRST Commissioning team has been operating as well in:

BELGIUM, CANADA, CROATIA, EGYPT, FRANCE, GERMANY, GHANA, HONG KONG, INDONESIA, LITHUANIA, MALAYSIA, MALTA, NETHERLANDS, PANAMA, SPAIN, THAILAND, THE BAHAMAS, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, UK, UKRAINE & VIETNAM.

2448
Systems in operation
  • CHINA
  • TURKEY
  • GREECE
  • S. KOREA
  • SINGAPORE
  • POLAND
  • ROMANIA
  • BULGARIA
  • JAPAN
  • BAHRAIN
  • AT SEA
  • USA
  • ITALY
  • PORTUGAL
  • UAE
  • SPAIN
  • THAILAND

Our purpose

Environment FIRST

For us at ERMA FIRST, the marine environment is not just the area we operate in, it is the area we live in.
 We believe in sustainability and we are dedicated to a higher purpose of preserving and protecting the marine ecosystem globally.
 This purpose underpins all our operations - it is the reason we exist.

Our vision & mission

A global leader

ERMA FIRST is a globally leading manufacturer of ballast water treatment systems (BWΤS) and sustainable marine equipment solutions. Sustainability, innovation and trust are at the heart of our business. Our robust systems and solutions ensure worldwide compliance, provide operational simplicity and reduce operational expenditure.

Customers drive our business

Our outstanding R&D constantly provides new sustainable & reliable products. Our after-sales service delivers unparalleled customer support. These allow us to commit confidently to always deliver on our promise to the customer.

Strong values make strong brands

Dedication to our customers in an environmentally sustainable way is our key priority.
 We, at ERMA FIRST, always put our values first:

PASSION

We are passionate about what we do and the impact that we can have.

TEAMWORK

We nurture a fair, transparent, inclusive,and collaborative culture.

RESPONSIBILITY

We are dedicated to preserving and protecting the environment.

INNOVATION

Through innovation and technological achievements we can achieve wonders.

TRUST

We build strong, long-term relationships based on trust and integrity.

OUR PROPOSAL

We engineer by purpose. We innovate by nature. We are always sustainable. At ERMA FIRST, our promise translates into customer value and meaningful benefits:

Adaptability

A truly global BWTS.
 Our BWTS are fully compliant to operate in every marine environment, allowing you to sail globally.

Simplicity

Installation & Operation simplified.
 Our BWTS are made with the customer in focus for ultimate ease of installation & simplified operation.

Efficiency

Money matters.
 Our BWTS are cost efficient, providing substantial OPEX relief to every customer.

Reliability

Our promise, your guarantee.
 We provide a guarantee of seamless operations.
With ERMA FIRST BWTS onboard, you have nothing to worry about.

Customer Support

The customer always comes first.
 We commit to best-in-class customer support through a dedicated team ready to respond.
At ERMA FIRST, we constantly stand by you.

Do you share our passion?

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AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS

Sustainability Award GREEN4SEA 2023

FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

ERMA FIRST was awarded the 2023 GREEN4SEA Sustainability Award! Thank you to SAFETY4SEA and to everyone who voted for ERMA FIRST - sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at ERMA FIRST and we are extremely proud to accept this award as it resembles our higher purpose of preserving and protecting the marine ecosystem. The sustainability award recognises organisations that are promoting an ESG agenda and contributing towards sustainable shipping. ERMA FIRST received the award for the actions we have taken to prioritise ESG and CSR.

Technology Award GREEN4SEA 2016

SHAPING THE FUTURE

ERMA FIRST was selected for the Technology Award at the 2016 GREEN4SEA Conference & Awards for its significant technological achievement in the industry. The conference was a pro bono event that was held on the 6th of April 2016, in Eugenides Foundation Athens attracting 950 delegates from 20 countries representing a total of 400 organizations. Six panels of 25 global experts focused on green shipping issues and latest developments regarding the Ballast Water Management, Energy Efficiency, MRV Regulation for the shipping emissions. ERMA FIRST offers a new generation Ballast Water Treatment System, the ‘ERMA FIRST FIT’ which uses a 40 microns automatic backwashing screen filter with a significant small footprint and modular design. After the initial nomination, ERMA FIRST attracted the most votes by the end of the voting period which was held online during a two-month period. The inaugural presentation of the GREEN4SEA Awards took place at the closing of the 2016 GREEN4SEA forum within the scope of awarding industry’s green outstanding practices for Initiative, Excellence and Technology. Other winners of the 2016 GREEN4SEA Awards were: Capital Shipmanagement Corp for the Excellence Award and Green Award Foundation which received the Initiative Award.

Technical Achievement Award Lloyd’s List 2013

We Commit To Big Ideas

ERMA FIRST was honored with the Technical Achievement Award from Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards 2013. This distinction was a milestone at ERMA FIRST’s rising course.The prize was a prominent recognition for a technological achievement that was never before performed in maritime industry! The hydrocyclonic method that ERMA FIRST Ballast Water Treatment Systems use is a unique method. No other ballast water treatment system uses similar technology for extreme sediment removal and effective disinfection of ballast water. ERMA FIRST’s engineers have developed a unique device for treating seawater, gaining the respect and admiration of the Maritime Community.

Made in Greece 2013

Determined To Succeed

ERMA FIRST was awarded with the Technological Excellency Praise on a glamorous ceremony that was organized for the first time by the Greek Academy of Marketing at Hilton Hotel on 25th November 2013. The judging panel rewarded the ERMA FIRST ballast water treatment system with an honorable distinction for its innovative and pioneer technology and also for its contribution to Greece and the Greek society during these difficult times of financial turbulence and instability. The Made in Greeece Awards rewarded major companies of the Greek Industry which thrive in and out of the Greek borders. This praise is notable and prestigious for ERMA FIRST and its team, not only for the honorary distinction but also for the recognition earned by an organization which carefully evaluated major corporations from Greece for their industrial achievements.