Erma First
ERMA FIRST is a Greek maritime equipment manufacturer specializing in full-flow electrolysis ballast water treatment systems (FIT, FLOW, oneTANK) with embedded AI monitoring, serving global shipowners across bulk carriers, tankers, containers, LNG carriers, and superyachts from a 2,500+ vessel installed base.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersPérama, Greece
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Erma First does
ERMA FIRST ESK Engineering Solutions S.A., headquartered in Perama, Greece, designs and manufactures full-flow electrolysis-based Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS) for the global commercial shipping industry. The flagship FIT BWTS — supported by the FLOW and oneTANK variants — combines 40-micron automatic backwashing filtration with electrolytic disinfection across a capacity range of 90 to 3,740 m3/h, targeting bulk carriers, tankers, container ships, LNG carriers, passenger ferries, and superyachts. The system is type-approved by IMO, USCG, China Classification Society, Korean Flag Authority, Lloyd's Register, and additional classification societies, with ATEX/IECEx certification for hazardous-area tanker installations. Embedded in the FIT BWTS is the METIS AI platform, which collects structured sensor data every 15 seconds and transmits to cloud every 15 minutes, enabling real-time remote monitoring, machine-learning predictive maintenance, NLP chatbot interaction via Microsoft Teams, and integration with Tableau, Power BI, and Targit.
The company monetizes through a hybrid model: (1) hardware sales of FIT, FLOW, and oneTANK BWTS units for new builds and retrofits, (2) recurring after-sales services including 24/7 system support, commissioning, annual calibration, and retrofit engineering through a global network of certified engineers, and (3) an e-commerce spares platform plus training services. Distribution runs through direct enterprise sales to shipowners and operators alongside an appointed agent network spanning 40+ countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and North America, with regional offices in Busan, Shanghai, Dubai, Manila, Singapore, and Houston supporting the 2,500+ vessel installed base. Beyond BWTS, ERMA FIRST has extended into Alternative Maritime Power (BLUE CONNECT), Energy Saving Devices (ESD with PROPELLER CAP, DUCT, HULL FINS), and Carbon Capture and Storage (CARBON FIT), positioning the company as a multi-product maritime decarbonization supplier. The firm operates as part of the ERMA TECH GROUP of Companies, launched in June 2025, and is co-founded and led by Managing Director Konstantinos Stampedakis.
Erma First firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Erma First
- Legal name
- ERMA FIRST ESK Engineering Solutions S.A.
- Website
- https://ermafirst.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- ERMA FIRST is a Greek maritime equipment manufacturer specializing in full-flow electrolysis ballast water treatment systems (FIT, FLOW, oneTANK) with embedded AI monitoring, serving global shipowners across bulk carriers, tankers, containers, LNG carriers, and superyachts from a 2,500+ vessel installed base.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Erma First industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Marine Environmental Equipment
- NAICS
- Measuring, Dispensing, and Other Pumping Equipment Manufacturing (333914), Pump and Compressor Manufacturing (33391)
- SIC
- Misc Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment (3590), Pumps & Pumping Equipment (3561)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Maintenance & Reliability (RCM, Work Management, Spares) (EUANALAH)
Keywords
Where Erma First is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pérama
- HQ country
- Greece
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices7 records
Markets served
Erma First business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- BWTS Equipment Sales: Sale of Ballast Water Treatment Systems including ERMA FIRST FIT, FLOW, and oneTANK models. Systems are sold as complete units or loose components for new builds and retrofits. Revenue generated from equipment manufacturing and delivery.
- After-Sales Services: Comprehensive after-sales services including 24/7 system support, troubleshooting, commissioning, testing, and annual calibration. Retrofit installation services provided through certified engineers worldwide.
- Spare Parts Platform: Online spares platform for ordering replacement components and consumables for ERMA FIRST BWTS systems.
- Training Services: Training services for maintenance and operation of ERMA FIRST BWTS systems.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | ERMA FIRST FIT BWTS - Capacity-based pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Erma First product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ERMA FIRST manufactures and sells full-flow electrolysis-based Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS) under three product lines — ERMA FIRST FIT, FLOW, and oneTANK — for commercial vessels worldwide, with capacity from 90 to 3,740 m3/h. The FIT BWTS integrates the proprietary METIS AI platform for real-time remote monitoring and predictive analytics. In addition to BWTS, ERMA FIRST offers Alternative Maritime Power (ERMA FIRST BLUE CONNECT), Energy Saving Devices (ERMA FIRST ESD), and Carbon Capture and Storage solutions (ERMA FIRST CARBON FIT), complemented by global installation, retrofit, commissioning, training, and 24/7 after-sales services.
Product overview
ERMA FIRST is a maritime-focused environmental engineering company offering a comprehensive portfolio of sustainable marine equipment. The core product line centers on Ballast Water Treatment Systems (ERMA FIRST FIT BWTS, FLOW BWTS, and oneTANK BWTS), complemented by Alternative Maritime Power (ERMA FIRST BLUE CONNECT), Energy Saving Devices (ERMA FIRST ESD with PROPELLER CAP, DUCT, and HULL FINS), and Carbon Capture solutions (ERMA FIRST CARBON FIT). The FIT BWTS features embedded AI through the METIS platform for real-time monitoring and analytics. The company provides associated services including installation solutions (Deckhouse, Loose, Container configurations), an online Spares Platform, training, and 24/7 global after-sales support. Systems are installed on over 2,500 vessels with operations supported through certified engineers worldwide.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ERMA FIRST FIT BWTS Advanced modular Ballast Water Treatment System combining 40-micron filtration with full-flow electrolysis-based disinfection, featuring embedded AI via the METIS platform. Capacity range from 90 to 3,740 m3/h, with IMO, USCG, China Classification Society, and South Korean Flag Type Approvals. Targeted at commercial shipping companies needing IMO and USCG compliance in a single system configuration across all vessel types.
- ERMA FIRST FLOW BWTS Ballast Water Treatment System variant offered by ERMA FIRST for specific vessel requirements within its BWTS product portfolio. Designed for ship owners and operators needing BWM Convention compliance with alternative configuration options.
- ERMA FIRST oneTANK BWTS Ballast Water Treatment System variant designed for single-tank or compact installation configurations on vessels with space constraints. Targeted at commercial shipping operators needing flexible BWTS installation.
- ERMA FIRST BLUE CONNECT Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) solution enabling vessels to connect to shore power while docked, reducing emissions and fuel consumption in port. Targeted at shipping companies seeking to reduce portside emissions and comply with environmental regulations.
- ERMA FIRST ESD (Energy Saving Devices) Energy Saving Devices including PROPELLER CAP, DUCT, and HULL FINS designed to improve vessel hydrodynamic efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. Targeted at commercial ship owners and operators seeking fuel savings and emission reductions.
- ERMA FIRST CARBON FIT Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) solution for maritime applications, enabling vessels to capture and store carbon emissions. Targeted at shipping operators working to reduce vessel greenhouse gas emissions.
- ERMA FIRST Smart BWTS (METIS) AI-powered monitoring and analytics add-on module embedded in ERMA FIRST FIT BWTS, providing real-time remote BWMS operation monitoring, machine-learning predictive maintenance insights, KPI generation, chatbot interaction, and Port State Control reporting documentation through cloud-based infrastructure with satellite connectivity.
- ERMA FIRST Spares Platform Online e-commerce platform providing instant access to ERMA FIRST BWTS spare parts, enabling fast, reliable ordering for maintenance and repairs worldwide. Targeted at shipping companies, ship managers, and certified service stations maintaining BWTS-equipped fleets.
- ERMA FIRST Training Services Training programs for ERMA FIRST BWTS operation and maintenance, delivered to ship crew, technical staff, and service engineers. Targeted at shipping companies and certified service partners responsible for ongoing BWTS operations.
- ERMA FIRST After-Sales Services Comprehensive after-sales support including 24/7 system support and troubleshooting, commissioning testing, maintenance and annual calibration, and retrofit installation services through a global network of certified engineers. Targeted at ship owners and operators of ERMA FIRST BWTS-equipped vessels worldwide.
Quantifiable outcome
- 2,500+ vessels equipped with ERMA FIRST systems globally
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Erma First
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Erma First technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration5 records
AI capability5 records
Feature4 records
Erma First partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Green MarinecoreERMA FIRST GROUP joined Green Marine to strengthen environmental commitment in North America and Europe. Green Marine is a voluntary environmental certification program for the maritime industry that supports continuous improvement in environmental performance.
- ERMA Tech GroupcoreERMA FIRST is part of the ERMA TECH GROUP of Companies, a future-forward leader in sustainable maritime innovation. The group announced its official launch event in June 2025.
- METIS (AI Platform)coreMETIS is the AI platform powering ERMA FIRST's Smart BWTS feature. The partnership enables real-time monitoring, machine-learning analytics, and predictive maintenance capabilities for ballast water treatment systems.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Erma First competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Wärtsilä: Major marine technology group selling the Aquarius UV BWMS and a wide range of ship engines and systems. Competes head-to-head with ERMA FIRST on new-builds and retrofits at the largest shipping companies.
- Alfa Laval: Swedish industrial conglomerate whose PureBallast is one of the leading IMO/USCG-approved BWMS. Directly competes with ERMA FIRST in the same shipowner customer base with a broader marine and process equipment portfolio.
- JFE Engineering: Diversified Japanese engineering firm offering the ClearBallast BWMS using filtration plus chemical treatment. Competes with ERMA FIRST in Japanese shipyards and Asian-flag vessel new-builds.
Direct peers
- BIO-UV Group: French specialist offering UV-based BWMS for maritime applications with IMO and USCG approvals. Competes with ERMA FIRST across mid-sized vessel segments using a different disinfection technology.
- Evac: Provider of integrated water and waste management systems for marine and offshore, including BWMS. Competes with ERMA FIRST in shipowner specifications for new-builds and cruise/ferry operators.
- Optimarin: Norwegian BWMS specialist focused on ballast water treatment with USCG type approval. A direct like-for-like competitor to ERMA FIRST in the retrofit and new-build segments.
- Ecochlor: Specialist BWMS provider using chlorine dioxide technology with full IMO/USCG type approvals. Competes with ERMA FIRST's full-flow electrolysis approach in similar shipping customer segments.
- TeamTec: Norwegian marine environmental technology company providing the OceanSaver BWMS. A direct niche competitor to ERMA FIRST in retrofit BWMS, particularly in the Nordic and European shipowner market.
- De Nora (Trojan Marinex): De Nora acquired Trojan Marinex to enter the BWMS market with electrochlorination-based treatment systems. Directly comparable to ERMA FIRST on the electrolysis/active-substance technology axis.
Regional players
- Sunrui Marine Environment Engineering: Chinese state-linked BWMS manufacturer with strong domestic and Asian shipyard share. Competes with ERMA FIRST primarily in Asian new-builds but is increasingly visible in global retrofit tenders.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Erma First social profiles
Digital presenceErma First compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance15 records
Erma First financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Erma First leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Erma First funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Erma First M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Erma First
What does Erma First do?
ERMA FIRST manufactures and sells full-flow electrolysis-based Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS) under three product lines — ERMA FIRST FIT, FLOW, and oneTANK — for commercial vessels worldwide, with capacity from 90 to 3,740 m3/h. The FIT BWTS integrates the proprietary METIS AI platform for real-time remote monitoring and predictive analytics. In addition to BWTS, ERMA FIRST offers Alternative Maritime Power (ERMA FIRST BLUE CONNECT), Energy Saving Devices (ERMA FIRST ESD), and Carbon Capture and Storage solutions (ERMA FIRST CARBON FIT), complemented by global installation, retrofit, commissioning, training, and 24/7 after-sales services.
Is Erma First a public or private company?
Erma First is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Erma First founded?
Erma First was founded in 2009. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Erma First based?
Erma First is headquartered in Pérama, Greece, in the Europe region.
How does Erma First make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. BWTS Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are after-Sales Services, spare Parts Platform and training Services.
Who are Erma First's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Wärtsilä, Alfa Laval and JFE Engineering. Direct peers are BIO-UV Group, Evac, Optimarin, Ecochlor, TeamTec and De Nora (Trojan Marinex). Sunrui Marine Environment Engineering is listed as a regional player.
Does Erma First have an API?
No public API is recorded for Erma First.
What industry is Erma First in?
Erma First's product category is Marine Environmental Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUANALAH, Maintenance & Reliability (RCM, Work Management, Spares). Its NAICS code is 333914 and its SIC code is 3590.