Ultrasound against marine growth

Sustainable and unharmful to all marine life. As the first cruise vessel, the Mein Schiff 6 will during the stay in dry dock in the beginning of May apply an ultrasonic antifouling technology to the entire seawater cooling system.

The innovative technology developed by HASYTEC Electronics in Kiel, Germany is already installed in many other vessels, such as container vessel and tankers, prevents the forming of biofilm. The technology ensures that all water carrying surfaces are kept free from settlement of growth and biological sediments.

For the protection of eco systems this is required. Eco systems could be threatened by growth and the possible invasive species therein. The system shall be installed in sea chests, filters, and the plate heat exchangers for the engine cooling.

Copper and aluminum anodes have for decades been placed in the sea chests to prevent growth, but the new technology is not only environmentally friendly, but also offers a reduction in time and costs – all cleaning and maintenance activities are no longer required.

The Mein Schiff 6 is only the beginning, in the autumn the system will be applied to the Mein Schiff 3. After that the rest of the fleet will follow until all vessels are equipped with the system’ says Ulrich Voss, Director Ship Management & Refurbishment of TUI Cruises.

‘We are very proud that our technology can assist the first cruise vessels to be even more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Especially as the Mein Schiff fleet is often calling Kiel, and HASYTEC being based in Kiel, the decision of the shipowner gives us extra joy, says Jan Kelling, co-founder of the HASYTEC Group.