Alfa Laval has completed the acquisition of UK-based NRG Marine, a provider of ultrasonic antifouling technology for various applications including marine.
This strategic move strengthens Alfa Laval’s capabilities towards enhancing energy efficiency and operational performance while reducing costs and extending asset lifespan. According to Alfa Laval, rising energy costs, CII improvement and evolving regulations are accelerating the shift toward future-proof, eco-friendly innovations that optimise operations, support decarbonisation and reduce environmental impact. Ultrasonic antifouling technology is one such immediate opportunity for industries to improve their operations sustainably.
The move strengthens Alfa Laval’s position as a provider of next-generation solutions. With the addition of ultrasonic antifouling technology, Alfa Laval will enable its customers to benefit from solutions that prevent organic matter buildup on the surface of critical assets in a sustainable way, thereby increasing equipment efficiency.
Sameer Kalra, President, Marine Division, Alfa Laval, said: “This acquisition is a strategic step towards offering solutions that enhance operational efficiency and minimise environmental footprint, supporting industry’s net-zero objectives. By integrating ultrasonic antifouling technology into our portfolio, we aim to expand its reach and impact, empowering customers across marine, oil and gas, and industrial sectors with greater energy optimization and performance improvements.”
NRG Marine, recognised for its Sonihull and Agitate brands, prevents organic deposit buildup by using imploding microscopic bubbles to create surface agitation, passively cleaning surfaces and preventing biofouling of critical components. Installing the system can improve the equipment’s performance and lifespan, reduce system downtime, and lower maintenance and cleaning costs. The system’s low cost compared to the value gained from reduced fouling and improved maintenance cycles is considered to offer attractive returns on investment for all sectors.
In addition to the operational benefits, antifouling systems play an important role in reducing fuel consumption and improving vessel CII. They also mitigate the risk of spreading invasive species, further supporting sustainability efforts and other environmental metrics.
The system is said to provide reliable, low-maintenance biofouling prevention, critical for enhancing uptime and minimising operational risks. It can ensure uninterrupted cleanliness of internal pipes and valves, keeping operations running smoothly without downtime. Being ATEX-approved, it complies with required safety standards, ensuring reliability and safety. Ultrasonic antifouling technology offers a chemical-free, energy-efficient alternative to traditional anti-fouling approaches, making it a sustainable choice for businesses looking to protect the environment with green technology.
In recent years, Alfa Laval has strategically expanded its portfolio through key acquisitions to meet market demands for energy efficiency and decarbonization with high-impact solutions. The recent acquisitions include StormGeo, a leader in weather intelligence and advanced data science solutions; Scanjet, an expert in tank management solutions; and Marine Performance Systems, a company specialising in fluidic air lubrication systems, now selling Alfa Laval systems under the name OceanGlide. Additionally, Alfa Laval has strengthened its market position through collaborations such as Oceanbird, a joint partnership between Alfa Laval and Wallenius, to advance wind-assisted propulsion technology for a more sustainable future.
Image: Alfa Laval has added Sonihull developer NRG to its portfolio (source: Alfa Laval/Blue C)
