Founded in 2009, ERMA FIRST ESK Engineering S.A. operates as a specialized manufacturer and engineering firm headquartered in the industrial maritime zone of Perama, near the port of Piraeus, Greece. The organization emerged with a primary objective to provide mechanical and environmental protection systems for the global shipping industry, initially concentrating its resources on meeting the stringent requirements of the International Maritime Organization regarding biological compliance. Over the years, the company has evolved from a developer of ballast water treatment systems into a diversified industrial group offering a wider array of sustainable marine technologies.
The company maintains complete control over its manufacturing processes, overseeing the design, engineering, and production of electromechanical systems intended for both newbuild vessels and complex retrofit projects. Its operational model emphasizes a turnkey approach to engineering, where the firm handles various stages of project execution, including 3D scanning, onboard surveys, and installation supervision. This vertical integration allows the enterprise to support shipowners, managers, and shipyards directly, ensuring that installed equipment integrates effectively with existing vessel infrastructure.
A significant milestone in the company’s corporate history was the strategic acquisition of RWO GmbH, a German specialist in marine water treatment with a heritage dating back several decades. This integration substantially broadened ERMA FIRST’s operational capabilities, adding established bilge water separation and sewage treatment systems to its portfolio. Consequently, the organization now services a comprehensive range of water treatment needs across the merchant fleet.
Beyond liquid waste management, the firm has expanded its engineering focus to address atmospheric emissions and energy efficiency. The company is actively engaged in the alternative maritime power sector, providing shore power solutions that enable vessels to shut down auxiliary engines while at berth. Additionally, it has invested in the research and development of onboard carbon capture and storage technologies, aligning its engineering output with the maritime sector’s trajectory toward decarbonization. To sustain its international operations, ERMA FIRST utilizes a global network of sales offices and service stations situated in major shipping hubs across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, providing technical assistance and spare parts support throughout the lifecycle of the equipment.
