Alfa Laval has signed an agreement to acquire NRG Marine, a leading provider of ultrasonic anti-fouling solutions for marine, oil and gas, and industrial applications, headquartered in the United Kingdom. The move aligns with Alfa Laval’s strategy to provide its customers with environmentally friendly solutions contributing significantly towards improving operational efficiency, reducing costs and extending lifecycle of the asset. Closing of the acquisition is expected during Q2, 2025.
Innovative ultrasonic anti-fouling technology
By incorporating NRG Marine’s cutting-edge ultrasonic technology into its portfolio, Alfa Laval aims to offer an innovative solution for anti-fouling with significant operational and environmental benefits for marine, oil and gas, and other industrial markets.
NRG Marine's proactive anti-fouling technology utilizes ultrasonic microscopic bubbles that implode, creating agitation that disrupts the surface environment. This agitation passively cleans the surface, reducing fouling, scaling, sludge, and deposits on critical components.
For marine vessels, fouling is not just important from a fuel savings and decarbonization perspective. Biofouling, the accumulation of organisms on ship parts, increases the risk of spreading invasive species, leading to ecological and economic harm. Anti-fouling systems are crucial for mitigating this issue, reducing the spread of invasive species, and protecting marine ecosystems.
For the oil and gas sector, this technology helps prevent and clean the stationary surfaces to avoid biofouling. Being ATEX-approved, it complies with required safety standards that make it reliable and safe.
“In the race to net zero, solutions that enhance energy efficiency and operational performance are more essential than ever,” says Sameer Kalra, President Marine Division, Alfa Laval. “The inclusion of ultrasonic anti-fouling technology into our portfolio is another addition to our decarbonization toolbox. By addressing the critical problem of biofouling with this advanced technique, we will enable our customers to meet both business and environmental objectives.”
"We are excited to join forces with Alfa Laval through this acquisition to extend ultrasound technology for anti-fouling treatment to marine, oil and gas, and other industrial sectors,” says Darren Rowlands, Founder & CEO of NRG Marine. “Alfa Laval's commitment to sustainable solutions and extensive global network make them an ideal partner for us. This strategic move will increase our market reach and scalability, making our solution more accessible to customers.”
Reduced costs and increased operational efficiency
Ultrasonic anti-fouling technology emerges as a promising alternative to other methods, offering significant advantages across industries. Fitting the system improves the operational efficiency of the asset, reduces maintenance while lowering cleaning costs and extends the asset’s lifecycle. The system’s low cost compared to the value gained from reduced fouling and improved maintenance cycles offers attractive returns on investment.
For the marine industry, in addition to the above advantages, keeping equipment free of organic growth offers significant fuel savings, supports decarbonization efforts, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
The system can be installed on any ship type, whether newbuild or existing, and requires no drydocking or through-hull fittings, minimizing installation time and associated costs. Operating continuously, even when a vessel is stationary, this non-invasive method eliminates the need for harsh chemicals and frequent cleaning, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution to maintain vessel cleanliness and efficiency.
Improved environmental ratings
By adopting this advanced technology, shipowners can easily and cost-effectively improve their vessels’ environmental ratings, aligning with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations. This solution significantly enhances vessel CII and other environmental metrics, providing a more sustainable alternative to other anti-fouling methods.
